Crackdown nets more arrests

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Thursday, May 31, 2001 | 10:50 a.m.

SPRINGFIELD, Mass. -- Six Springfield men were arrested Wednesday on gambling and loan-sharking charges as federal, state and local authorities continued their crackdown on suspected mob activity in the area.

Authorities said the suspects are tied to the Genovese crime family.

The men arrested early Wednesday morning were Vincent Canavan, 29; Franco Decaro, 29; Anthony Grasso, 32; Michael Tancrati, 64; Antonio Esposito, 49 and Robert Gossman, 25.

In addition to illegal gambling and loan-sharking charges, Canavan was also charged with racketeering.

The accusations stem from an investigation that began in September 1999. Prosecutors say they heard discussions of the gambling and loan-sharking businesses through wiretaps. Assistant U.S. Attorney Andrew Levchuk said the investigation is still underway.

The arrests follow indictments against six other men in December in connection with the alleged crime ring. All six men were charged Wednesday with racketeering, and three of them were also charged with distributing marijuana.