Judge to decide on reputed ex-mob boss' release

PROVIDENCE, R.I. – A federal judge says he'll decide in the coming days whether to allow the release of a reputed former boss of the New England mob as he awaits trial on charges of shaking down strip clubs.

U.S. District Judge William Smith said Tuesday he would decide by the end of this week or early next week whether to allow the release of Luigi "Baby Shacks" Manocchio (muh-NOCK'-ee-oh) on $500,000 bond.

The 83-year-old Manocchio has pleaded not guilty to conspiracy and extortion charges.

A magistrate judge had earlier ruled that Manocchio could be released, but prosecutors challenged that. They argue that he is a flight risk, having fled once before for 10 years when facing state charges.

His lawyer says Manocchio wants to be near his family and wants to fight the charges.