Ten members and associates of the DeCavalcante organized crime family have been arrested in New Jersey , according to federal prosecutors . They 're listed with nicknames like 'Knuckles ' and 'Whitey ' and they 're accused of plotting to commit murder , distribute drugs and promote prostitution around the Newark area . The suspects include reputed captain 71-year-old Charles Stango , of Henderson , Nevada , and 72-year-old Frank Nigro , of Toms River , a reputed consigliere , or adviser . The DeCavalcantes have long been thought to be the real-life inspiration for HBO 's The Sopranos ( pictured ) Paul Colella , 68 , of Toms River was also expected to appear . The criminal complaint alleges the DeCavalcante family operates under the direction of New York 's Gambino crime family . The DeCavalcantes have long been thought to be the real-life inspiration for HBO 's The Sopranos . Prosecutors allege Stango sought and obtained permission from Nigro to kill a family member in New Jersey . Authorities said Stango discussed his plans with an undercover agent , telling him that the man had insulted an acting boss of the family and was 'out of control ' . The intended victim 'had to meet death or you got ta maim him or you just got ta put him in a wheelchair for the rest of his life , ' Stango allegedly told the agent . Prosecutor said Stango told the agent that the plan was to hire two members of an outlaw biker gang to shoot the rival , NJ.com reported . Prosecutors claim Stango and his son , Anthony , also planned to operate a high-end escort service in the Toms River area . Some suspects are due in federal court on Thursday afternoon in Newark . Stango is due to appear in a Las Vegas courtroom .
Listed with names like ' Knuckles ' and ' Whitey ' , they 're accused of plotting corruption , distributing drugs and running prostitution . The criminal complaint alleges the DeCavalcante family operates under the direction of New York 's Gambino crime family . Captain Charles Stango , 71 , of Nevada , allegedly told undercover officers that a rival was out of control and insulted a family boss . He said the boss ' had to meet death or you got ta maim him or you just got ta keep him in a wheelchair for the rest of his life ' Stango reportedly wanted to hire outlaw biker gang to hunt down the rival .