ENGLISHTOWN, NJ – The small borough of Englishtown, New Jersey, a quiet community of just 2,300 residents, is reeling after Mayor Daniel Francisco appointed John Alite—a former Gambino crime family enforcer with a notorious past—to the town council. Alite, 62, who confessed to involvement in six murders, 37 shootings, and numerous violent assaults, was sworn in on March 12, 2025, to fill a vacant seat, sparking outrage, mass resignations, and a deep divide among residents.
A Controversial Appointment
John Alite’s criminal history is well-documented. A Queens native, he spent 14 years in prison after pleading guilty in 2008 to racketeering charges, including two murders, four murder conspiracies, and a string of violent crimes across multiple states.
His cooperation with law enforcement, including testifying against Gambino family boss Junior Gotti, secured a reduced sentence and cemented his reputation as a “mob rat.” After his release, Alite reinvented himself as a motivational speaker, advocating against crime and drug use—a cause he says became personal after his daughter Chelsea died of a fentanyl overdose in 2022.
Mayor Francisco, a Republican, defended the appointment, citing Alite’s community involvement and outreach work.
“We know John as a neighbor,” Francisco told NJ.com, emphasizing Alite’s regular attendance at council meetings and his efforts to steer youth away from crime.
New Jersey law does not bar convicted felons from holding office unless the crimes directly relate to public service, making Alite’s appointment legally permissible.
Backlash and Resignations
The decision has not sat well with many in Englishtown. More than half of the borough’s elected officials resigned in protest, leaving only one elected councilman remaining. Former Councilman William Lewis, among those who stepped down, told New Jersey 101.5 that Francisco was consolidating power and demanded “yes men” on the council. Lewis also claimed ignorance of any specific “legal issue” Francisco cited as a reason for requesting resignations, adding to the opacity surrounding the mayor’s actions.
Residents are split. Some, pointing to Alite’s anti-drug advocacy, see his appointment as a chance for redemption. “He’s paid his debt and wants to make a difference,” one anonymous supporter wrote on X. Others are horrified. “A man who admits to six murders is now helping run our town? It’s a disgrace,” said longtime resident Karen Mitchell at a recent town meeting. Posts on X reflect similar sentiments, with users expressing disbelief at the appointment of a “convicted killer and mob rat” to a position of public trust.
A Town on Edge
The appointment comes at a time of heightened tension in New Jersey politics.
Just weeks ago, Lumberton Mayor Gina LaPlaca was arrested for DUI with her toddler in the car, and on April 11, Prospect Park Councilman Anand Shah was charged in a Lucchese crime family-linked gambling ring, further fueling public distrust of local officials.
In Englishtown, Alite’s presence on the council has raised fears about safety and governance.
“If the mayor thinks this is acceptable, what’s next?” asked resident Tom Harper, who worries about the message this sends to the community’s youth.
Others question whether Alite’s past could bring unwanted attention—or even danger—from his former associates in organized crime.
Alite’s Response and the Road Ahead
Alite, for his part, has vowed to use his position for good. “I’m here to redeem my whole life,” he told the New York Post, emphasizing his desire to combat the drug crisis in Monmouth County. “The drug influence in this county is terrible. As a kid, I was part of that, and now I have a chance to change that,” he said.