John Alite’s journey into the criminal underworld began in his early years, not as part of any formal “alite early career program,” but through a fateful association that would define a significant chapter of his life. In 1983, a connection with John A. Gotti, the son of notorious Gambino crime family boss John J. Gotti, marked the commencement of Alite’s rapid ascent within New York’s most powerful Mafia organization.
Alite license plate on car
From his initial involvement as a drug dealer, Alite’s relationship with “Junior” Gotti propelled him swiftly through the ranks. His early career trajectory was less a structured program and more a brutal climb fueled by loyalty and fear within the Gambino family. For years, John Alite became a formidable presence in Mafia circles. Known for his volatile temper and enforcing capabilities, he was instrumental in generating millions of dollars for the family through various illicit operations.
However, despite his effectiveness and close ties to Junior Gotti, Alite’s Albanian heritage presented an insurmountable barrier. Within the hierarchical structure of the Mafia, he could never become a “made man,” forever limiting his potential for advancement to the uppermost echelons of the organization. This glass ceiling, combined with mounting legal pressures, ultimately contributed to Alite’s downfall.
In 2003, facing imminent prosecution, Alite made the decision to flee the country. His attempt to evade justice led to his capture in Brazil. Subsequently, he was imprisoned and eventually chose to cooperate with the government. In exchange for a reduced sentence, Alite became a government witness, providing crucial testimony in several federal trials that shed light on the inner workings of the Mafia.
After his release from prison in 2012, John Alite embarked on a path of transformation, determined to leave his criminal past behind. Rejecting the option of witness protection and choosing to remain in his familiar surroundings of New York and New Jersey, Alite made a conscious decision to confront his history directly. “I wanted to live my life on my terms,” Alite stated, reflecting his resolve to live authentically despite the ever-present risks associated with his former life. “Knowing I could be killed any minute is normal. I’m used to it. It doesn’t affect the way I live.”
Today, Alite dedicates himself to public speaking, sharing his experiences and cautionary tales. He aims to dissuade others from succumbing to the allure of organized crime, drawing upon his own twenty-five-year involvement to illustrate the devastating consequences of such a path. Notably, he spoke at The Mob Museum on September 10th, offering insights into his life and the Mafia world.
Alite collaborated with seasoned Mob author George Anastasia to co-write Gotti’s Rules: The Story of John Alite, Junior Gotti, and the Demise of the American Mafia. Published earlier that year, the book provides a detailed account of Alite’s life, from his upbringing in Queens to the harsh realities of a Brazilian prison. More significantly, the book offers readers an insider’s perspective on the Gotti family and their operations, pulling no punches in its depiction of their internal dynamics.
According to Alite, the Gottis were characterized by “nepotism, greed, and treachery,” qualities that ultimately undermined the Gambino crime syndicate. He argues that under John J. Gotti’s leadership, the traditional values of “honor and loyalty” were replaced by self-serving motives, leading to the organization’s decline. While critical of the elder Gotti, Alite reserves particular criticism for Junior Gotti, whom he viewed as prioritizing financial gain above all else, even at the expense of long-standing friendships. This perspective offers a stark and unflinching portrayal of the individuals at the heart of one of America’s most infamous crime families.
