By Elaine Silvestrini
The Tampa Tribune

TAMPA - After unsuccessfully fighting extradition from Brazil for more than two years, a man prosecutors said tried to exert mob control over the area’s valet parking business appeared in a federal courtroom this afternoon.

John Alite, 44, was a key figure in the trial last month of four men accused of being part of the Gambino crime family: Ronald “Ronnie One Arm” Trucchio, Terry Scaglione, Kevin McMahon and Steven Catalano.

All four men were convicted of racketeering conspiracy. The prosecution said Trucchio was a capo for the Gambino family and that Alite was in charge of Trucchio’s street crew, which included the other three defendants.

The crew allegedly committed crimes, including murder, robbery and extortion, in New York, New Jersey and Florida, dating as far back as 1984.

During the trial, Trucchio tried to distance himself from Alite, telling jurors in his opening statement that Alite was a “rogue.” Prosecutors said Alite could not become a “made” member of the Gambino’s because he is not Italian.

During a brief court appearance today, Alite’s attorney, Caroline J. Tesche, waived a hearing on the issue of whether Alite should be detained.

Alite didn’t speak, except to answer a few routine questions from U.S. Magistrate Mary Scriven, giving his age and educational background.

Tesche said she was representing Alite only for the purposes of Tuesday’s court appearance, and that Alite has hire Miami attorney Howard Srebnick.

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