Feds arrest dozens in mob takedown

NEW YORK (AP/WPRI) - In what is reported to be the largest organized crime sweep in FBI history, federal agents have arrested dozens of suspected mobsters, including several in Rhode Island, as part of multiple investigations of New York's organized crime families.

The FBI says most of the arrests were made Thursday morning throughout New York City, in New Jersey and New England. Charges include murder, extortion and narcotics trafficking.

The New York Times reports that those arrested range from small-time book makers, to a number of senior mob figures and several union officials.

Attorney General Eric Holder and other officials, including Rhode Island U.S. Attorney Peter Neronha, were expected to discuss the cases later Thursday at a news conference in Brooklyn.

The takedown was another blow to New York's five Mafia crime families. Federal probes aided by mob turncoats have decimated the families' ranks and resulted in lengthy prison terms for several leaders.