Gambino Soldier Admits to Table-Flipping Rampage at Midtown Restaurant

James LaForte pleaded guilty to racketeering, extortion, and witness retaliation as part of a Gambino crime family scheme.

Feb. 4, 2026 at 5:55pm

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James (Jimmy) LaForte, a 49-year-old Gambino soldier, has pleaded guilty to his role in a violent extortion racket targeting the city's garbage and demolition industries. LaForte admitted to flipping a table and smashing a bottle into a federal witness's face at a swanky Midtown restaurant in 2021, as well as other acts of intimidation and violence as part of the Gambino crime family's criminal enterprise.

Why it matters

This case highlights the continued influence of organized crime in New York City, particularly the Gambino family's efforts to infiltrate legitimate businesses through violence and extortion. It also raises concerns about the safety of witnesses cooperating with federal investigations into mob activities.

The details

LaForte pleaded guilty to racketeering conspiracy, extortion, witness retaliation, and other crimes. His role included a bloody incident at Sei Less, a Midtown restaurant, where he and another Gambino associate approached a man they accused of being a 'rat' and LaForte hit him in the face with a bottle, bloodying his nose. LaForte also extorted a man who had borrowed $50,000 from a mobbed-up loan shark, forcing him to go into business with LaForte running an underground poker game and craps game.

  • On February 17, 2021, LaForte and another Gambino associate attacked a man at Sei Less restaurant.
  • In March 2025, LaForte's brother Joseph was sentenced to 15 and a half years in prison for a $400 million fraud scheme.
  • In 2023, all 10 suspects indicted in the extortion racket pleaded guilty since their indictment.

The players

James (Jimmy) LaForte

A 49-year-old Gambino soldier who pleaded guilty to his role in a violent extortion racket targeting the city's garbage and demolition industries.

Joseph LaForte

LaForte's brother, who was sentenced to 15 and a half years in prison in March 2025 for a $400 million fraud scheme.

Vincent 'Vinny Slick' Minsquero

A Gambino associate who accompanied LaForte in the attack at Sei Less restaurant.

Joseph 'Joe Brooklyn' Lanni

A reputed Gambino capo who was running the overall extortion scheme and was present at Sei Less when LaForte attacked the witness.

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What they’re saying

“The prosecution of these members and associates of the Gambino organized crime family has dealt a significant blow to that violent criminal enterprise. Their efforts to take over and infiltrate legitimate businesses by means of intimidation threatened hardworking New Yorkers and terrorized their victims.”

— U.S. Attorney Joseph Nocella, Jr.

What’s next

The court has not yet set a sentencing date for LaForte, who faces roughly 8 to 10 more years in prison based on federal sentencing guidelines.

The takeaway

This case highlights the continued influence of organized crime in New York City and the Gambino family's efforts to infiltrate legitimate businesses through violence and extortion, raising concerns about the safety of witnesses cooperating with federal investigations.