Gigante, in Prison, Accused of Running N.Y. Mob Family

Imprisoned mob boss Vincent “The Chin” Gigante, who dodged prosecution for nearly seven years by claiming mental illness, was indicted Wednesday on new charges alleging he runs the powerful Genovese family from behind bars.

Gigante, 74, and Genovese members allegedly infiltrated the International Longshoremen’s Assn. and ran extortion rackets against companies operating at piers in New York, New Jersey and Miami, the indictment said.

“Vincent ‘The Chin’ Gigante is truly the boss of the Genovese crime family,” said Barry Mawn, head of the FBI’s New York office. “He is a ‘hands-on’ leader who remains actively involved in the running of the organization.”

Gigante’s attorney, Michael Marinaccio, said he could not comment because he had not read the indictment. His client remains in a federal lockup in Fort Worth, serving 12 years on a 1997 conviction on charges of racketeering and murder conspiracy.

Gigante was dubbed “The Oddfather” for his habit of wandering New York City in a bathrobe and mumbling to himself. Authorities have long alleged that his behavior was a dodge to avoid prosecution.

Also indicted on racketeering, extortion and money-laundering charges were Gigante’s son, Andrew Gigante, 45, and six other alleged Genovese members. The indictment said the son relayed orders from his father.

Andrew Gigante pleaded not guilty at an arraignment in federal court in Brooklyn. He was ordered held without bail until a hearing next week.