A federal jury in Brooklyn has found Robert Brooke guilty of one count of Hobbs Act extortion. The conviction follows a three-day trial before United States District Judge Frederic Block. Brooke was acquitted on the charge of Hobbs Act extortion conspiracy. He faces a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison.
The announcement was made by Joseph Nocella, Jr., United States Attorney for the Eastern District of New York, and Christopher G. Raia, Assistant Director in Charge at the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s New York Field Office.
“Those who choose to settle disputes violently in the street are choosing to go to prison,” stated United States Attorney Nocella. “Today’s verdict holds the defendant accountable for his brazen conduct.”
Evidence presented during the trial showed that between November 2019 and January 2020, Brooke carried out a violent extortion scheme targeting owners of a demolition company over alleged debts connected to Diego Tantillo, identified as an inducted member of the Gambino organized crime family, and a company jointly operated by Tantillo and Brooke. On December 18, 2019, one victim was assaulted by Brooke near 50th Street and Eighth Avenue in Manhattan, resulting in serious injuries including a fractured cheek bone and facial contusions.
Testimony indicated that the victims believed Tantillo was involved due to his known ties to organized crime. After the assault, Tantillo contacted the victims instructing them to pay Brooke and withdraw criminal charges. The demolition company owners subsequently paid $50,000 to Tantillo and $40,000 to their joint company out of fear for their safety and that of their employees.
Tantillo pleaded guilty to racketeering conspiracy in October 2025 and is awaiting sentencing.
The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Andrew M. Roddin, Elias Laris, and Brooke Theodora from the Organized Crime and Gangs Section.
Brooke is 58 years old and resides in New York City.
