A federal jury in Brooklyn has found Robert Brooke guilty of one count of Hobbs Act extortion for his role in a violent scheme targeting the owners of a demolition company. The conviction follows a three-day trial before United States District Judge Frederic Block. Brooke was acquitted on a charge of Hobbs Act extortion conspiracy. He faces up to 20 years in prison at sentencing.
United States Attorney Joseph Nocella, Jr. for the Eastern District of New York and Christopher G. Raia, Assistant Director in Charge of the FBI’s New York Field Office, announced the verdict.
“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 at trial showed that between November 2019 and January 2020, Brooke carried out an extortion scheme against demolition company owners over alleged debts owed to Diego Tantillo, identified as an inducted member of the Gambino organized crime family, and a company co-operated by Tantillo and Brooke. On December 18, 2019, one victim was attacked by Brooke near 50th Street and Eighth Avenue in Manhattan, resulting in serious injuries including a fractured cheek bone and facial contusions.
The victims testified that they believed Tantillo was involved due to his known association with the Gambino crime family. Following the assault, Tantillo contacted the victims’ brothers 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 Office’s Organized Crime and Gangs Section.
Brooke is 58 years old and resides in New York City.
