Anthony Megale

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Anthony "The Genius" Megale of Stamford, Connecticut was the alleged acting underboss of the Gambino crime family.

Born in Italy.

In approximately August 2001, it is alleged that Megale became a Capo within the Gambino Family and was made acting underboss after Peter Gotti's 2002 arrest on racketeering charges. During August 2002, a Fairfield County nightclub owner, met with Megale after the nightclub owner had been approached by members and associates of the Gambino Family and another organized crime family who sought to extort payments from him, his associates, and his businesses. Megale represented to the nightclub owner that he was a high-ranking member of the Gambino Family, that he had met with leadership of the rival organized crime family, and that he had prevented members and associates of the rival family from extorting payments from him. In September 2002, it is alleged that Megale informed the nightclub owner that he would have to pay for “protection” in order to ensure the safety of himself, his associates, his property and his businesses. Megale demanded payment of $2000 each month, plus an additional amount as a yearly “Christmas Bonus.” Between November 2002 and February 2004, it is alleged that the nightclub owner made regular payments to Megale. It is further alleged that Megale threatened the nightclub owner with violence, destruction of property and disruption of his business if and when payments were not made in a timely manner.

On April 3, 2006 A federal judge sentenced Anthony Megale to more than 86 months in prison.