Mafia street boss gets nearly 20 years in prison

BOSTON (AP) - A Massachusetts man who prosecutors say was a street boss inNew York's Colombo crime family has been sentenced to almost 20 years in prisonon racketeering conspiracy and weapons charges.

Ralph DeLeo, of Somerville, pleaded guilty in May and was sentencedWednesday to 19 years and seven months in prison. He will receive credit forthree years he has already served.

Prosecutors said DeLeo was the street boss of the Colombo family and thehead of the "DeLeo Crew," a criminal enterprise based in Somervillethat engaged in extortion and loan-sharking, and sold cocaine and marijuana.The crew operated mainly in Massachusetts, Arkansas, Florida and New York.

DeLeo's attorney, Tim Watkins, said the 69-year-old DeLeo "stood up totake his punishment" for things he has now put behind him.

Cox Media Group