Genovese soldier pleads guilty in port extortionPosted: Dec 19, 2014 4:29 PM ESTUpdated: Dec 19, 2014 4:29 PM EST

NEWARK, N.J. (AP) - A Genovese mob family soldier and two mob associates have pleaded guilty in a conspiracy to extort members of the longshoremen's union on the New Jersey waterfront.

Federal prosecutors said that 59-year-old Stephen Depiro, of Kenilworth, and the two members of the longshoremen union and mob associates extorted workers for their Christmas bonuses.

Seventy-nine-year-old Albert Cernadas, of Union, and 64-year-old Nunzio LaGrosso, of Florham Park, also pleaded guilty in the scheme. Cernadas is the former president of the union and LaGrasso is the former vice president.

The former union president, Thomas Leonardis, was sentenced to 22 months in prison this month for taking part in the conspiracy.

Prosecutors say Depiro has managed the mob's control over the waterfront since at least 2005.

http://www.my9nj.com/story/27673413/genovese-soldier-pleads-guilty-in-port-extortion