Eight Lucchese members, associates indicted

Eight alleged members and associates of the Lucchese Crime Family were charged today with racketeering crimes, according to a press release from the U.S. Attorney's Office for the Eastern District of New York.

An indictment unsealed this morning in Brooklyn federal court named Domenico "Danny" Cutaia (left), 71, an "acting captain" in the crime family. It named Michael "Mikey Bones" Corcione, 67, John Baudanza (Domenico Cutaia's son-in-law), 38, and Salvatore Cutaia, 48, as made members - soldiers - of the organization. Those four defendants, along with alleged crime family associates Steven LaPella, 45, and Victor Sperber, 57, were charged with racketeering, racketeering conspiracy and other crimes.

Alleged associates Louis Colello, 64, and John Rodopolous, 46, were charged with extortion and illegal gambling, respectively.

If convicted, Domenico Cutaia, Baudanza and Sperber face maximum prison terms of 30 years, Salvatore Cutaia, Colello, Corcione and LaPella face possible 20-year terms, and Rodopolous could be sentenced up to five years. Prosecutors are also seeking financial forfeitures, including Baudanza's home.