US mob suspect pleads guilty in federal court

PROVIDENCE, Rhode Island (AP) — A bookkeeper arrested earlier this year in a nationwide mob sweep has changed his plea in exchange for a promise from prosecutors to recommend a lighter sentence.

Thomas Iafrate pleaded guilty Thursday to racketeering conspiracy in U.S. District Court in Providence.

Under the arrangement, prosecutors say they will recommend a prison term at the low end of federal sentencing guidelines for the 70-year-old Iafrate. Prosecutors also say they will seek to dismiss extortion and extortion conspiracy charges.

The maximum prison penalty for racketeering conspiracy is 20 years.

Iafrate and reputed former New England mob boss Luigi "Baby Shacks" Manocchio were arrested in a January sweep that netted more than 120 suspected Northeast mobsters and mob associates.