4 indicted in organized crime drug ring

BOSTON (AP) - A Massachusetts man authorities say is a leading member of the Colombo crime family has been indicted along with three others on organized crime charges involving five states.

Ralph Deleo of Somerville is accused of being the leader of a group known as the "Deleo Crew" that sold cocaine and marijuana in Massachusetts, Rhode Island, Arkansas, New York and Florida.

The group also is accused of loansharking and extortion. The 66-year-old Deleo and three other men are charged with conspiracy to violate the federal Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act.

Prosecutors say Deleo was the "street boss" of the Colombo family of La Cosa Nostra, one of the five LCN families in New York City.

The other men charged are: Franklin Goldman, of Randolph; Edmond Kulesza, of Somerville; and George Wylie Thompson, of Cabot, Ark.