3 ALLEGED MOBSTERS ARE ARRESTED.(CAPITAL REGION)

Byline: -- Los Angeles Times

NEW YORK -- Federal agents have announced the arrest of three reputed leaders and 15 members of the Genovese organized crime family -- allegedly the most powerful Mafia group in the United States -- on charges ranging from murder to gambling.

A 60-count indictment, obtained after a two-year probe, charged a dozen defendants with 31 acts of racketeering. Five members were charged in two murders -- including the execution of one mob member who they believed was a government informant.

Other crimes set forth in Monday's indictment included extortion, labor racketeering, gambling, loan sharking, money laundering, obstruction of justice, tax evasion and the fraudulent operation of the Feast of San Gennaro, one of New York City's top street festivals, siphoning off money advertised to go to churches and charities.

``Almost none of the monies collected at the feast went to churches or charities,'' U.S. attorney Mary Jo White said.

Among the defendants whose arrests were announced Tuesday were the ruling hierarchy of the Genovese family, including Liborio Bellomo, alleged to be its acting boss; Michele Generoso, alleged to be the acting underboss, and James Ida, alleged to be the consigliere, or family counselor.

All three were charged in the murders of Antonio Dilorenzo, a former Genovese soldier killed in 1988 allegedly because he was suspected of being an informant.

3 ALLEGED MOBSTERS ARE ARRESTED.(CAPITAL REGION)

Byline: -- Los Angeles Times

NEW YORK -- Federal agents have announced the arrest of three reputed leaders and 15 members of the Genovese organized crime family -- allegedly the most powerful Mafia group in the United States -- on charges ranging from murder to gambling.

A 60-count indictment, obtained after a two-year probe, charged a dozen defendants with 31 acts of racketeering. Five members were charged in two murders -- including the execution of one mob member who they believed was a government informant.

Other crimes set forth in Monday's indictment included extortion, labor racketeering, gambling, loan sharking, money laundering, obstruction of justice, tax evasion and the fraudulent operation of the Feast of San Gennaro, one of New York City's top street festivals, siphoning off money advertised to go to churches and charities.

``Almost none of the monies collected at the feast went to churches or charities,'' U.S. attorney Mary Jo White said.

Among the defendants whose arrests were announced Tuesday were the ruling hierarchy of the Genovese family, including Liborio Bellomo, alleged to be its acting boss; Michele Generoso, alleged to be the acting underboss, and James Ida, alleged to be the consigliere, or family counselor.

All three were charged in the murders of Antonio Dilorenzo, a former Genovese soldier killed in 1988 allegedly because he was suspected of being an informant.