ENGLISHTOWN, N.J. — John Alite, a 63-year-old councilman for the borough of Englishtown, New Jersey, was arrested on Friday. He faces multiple counts of corporate misconduct, extortion, loansharking, and terroristic threats. Alite was sworn in as a councilman early last year.

Authorities cited the discovery of several weapons at Alite's home, including metal knuckles, an expandable baton, six baseball bats, and about two dozen knives, which included switchblades. One baseball bat was located near the front door, and five others were found in a kitchen storage bench, authorities stated. An officer with the New Jersey State Police stated in court papers that the weapons appeared to be intended for collecting debts.

Court papers also detailed allegations that Alite threatened to strike a person with a baseball bat if demands were not met regarding a loan. According to court papers, Alite also stated that he had previously endeavored to "gut" people like "fish." Prosecutors stated in a release that Alite carried out crimes in part through his corporation, Straightened-Out Entertainment Inc. Prosecutors added that Alite illegally obtained property and money from victims through threats of violence.

Alite was released after a court appearance on Saturday and is scheduled to return to court for a detention hearing on Wednesday. Alite's attorney, Douglas Anton, stated he did not want to speak about the case before the upcoming court appearance. Alite testified at a 2009 Gotti trial that ended with a deadlocked jury. During that trial, Alite told a Manhattan federal court jury that he killed a childhood friend to earn respect from fellow mobsters. He also previously testified against John "Junior" Gotti.