Six men linked to Genovese crime family are jailed for their roles in a massive loansharking scheme

Six men linked to New York's notorious Genovese crime family have been sentenced to prison for their parts in a massive loansharking and money laundering plot.

Officials uncovered criminal schemes generating millions of dollars through illegal loansharking, unlicensed check cashing, gambling, and money laundering.

The schemes allegedly generated tribute payments up to the Genovese chain of command, NJ.com reported.  

The convictions came as part of 'Operation Fistful' - a joint investigation by the New Jersey Division of Criminal Justice and the Waterfront Commission of New York Harbor which uncovered criminal schemes generating millions of dollars.

Alleged Genovese associate Domenick Pucillo laundered much of the money through licensed and unlicensed ceck-cashing businesses in New Jersey, according to authorities.

Six alleged members of the Genovese crime family sentenced for money laundering schemes. Domenick Pucillo. left, got a 10-year  prison term. Jerry Albanese, center, sentenced to two years probation, Manuel Rodriguez, right, was sentenced to fours in prison 

The state Attorney General said Pucillo, 61, and other members of the group were operating under the supervision of alleged 'made' member of the crime family Vito Alberti, a Genovese 'soldier.' 

The unlicensed check-cashing business made $9 million in fees in four years and enabled customers to launder funds and evade taxes.  

Additionally, prosecutors said two of the men, Vincent Coppola, 42, and Jerry Albanese, 52, ran an illicit multi-million dollar offshore sports gambling enterprise. 

'When those involved in traditional organized crime engage in schemes such as loansharking and illegal gambling, they profit at the expense of victims who are struggling with debt, gambling problems and other issues,' New Jersey Attorney General Gurbir Grewal said in a statement. 

Six alleged members Genovese crime family sentenced for money laundering schemes. Robert Spagnola, left, sentenced to five years in prison, Vincent Coppola, center, received time already served  and two years probation, Vito Alberti, right, was sentenced to five years in prison

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The six pleaded guilty to their part in the schemes and were sentenced in Morris County Superior Court. 

The sentences were as follows: 

• Domenick Pucillo, 61, was sentenced to 10 years in prison. He pleaded guilty to first-degree conspiracy to commit money laundering.

• Robert Spagnola, 72, was given five years in prison. He pleaded guilty to second-degree criminal usury.

• Vito Alberti, 60, received a five-year prison term. He pleaded guilty to second-degree criminal usury.

• Manuel Rodriguez, 54, was sentenced to four years in prison. He pleaded guilty to second-degree conspiracy to commit money laundering.

• Vincent Coppola, 42, who previously served 103 days in jail, was sentenced to time served and two years of probation. He pleaded guilty to third-degree promoting gambling.

• Jerry Albanese, 52, was sentenced to two years of probation. He pleaded guilty to third-degree promoting gambling.

Abel Rodrigues, 57, also pleaded guilty to third-degree unlicensed check cashing, and is still awaiting sentencing October 7, NJ.com said. The state is expected to recommend one year in the county jail and a term of probation. 

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