Reputed mob boss John Stanfa and 11 other people were arrested Thursday morning, reportedly facing charges in the bloody struggle for control of the multimillion-dollar crime business in Philadelphia and southern New Jersey.
FBI spokeswoman Linda Vizi confirmed the arrests but said she could release no details of the indictment yet.The Philadelphia Daily News reported that a federal grand jury indicted Stanfa and 23 others in a sweeping racketeering conspiracy that involves two murders and an attempted murder within the past year.
Citing unidentified sources, the newspaper said Stanfa is accused of ordering the shootings and presiding over the conspiracy.
The shootings reportedly mentioned in the indictment were allegedly part of a power struggle against Stanfa that has led to at least nine shootings in all since January 1993. Among those hit: Stanfa's son, who was seriously wounded, and his nephew, who was killed.
Authorities say Stanfa, 53, assumed control of the Philadelphia-southern New Jersey mob about three years ago, filling a void left by the conviction of boss Nicodemo "Little Nicky" Scarfo and 16 others on racketeering and related charges in 1988.