A federal jury in Brooklyn has found Robert Brooke guilty of one count of Hobbs Act extortion. The conviction stems from events between November 2019 and January 2020, during which Brooke violently extorted thousands of dollars from the owners of a demolition company over a disputed debt. The verdict was delivered after a three-day trial before United States District Judge Frederic Block. Brooke was acquitted on the charge of Hobbs Act extortion conspiracy. He faces up to 20 years in prison at sentencing.
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 of the FBI’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 at trial showed that Brooke carried out an extortion scheme against owners of a demolition company regarding debts allegedly owed to Diego Tantillo, an inducted member of the Gambino organized crime family, and a company operated by both Tantillo and Brooke. On December 18, 2019, one victim was attacked by Brooke while walking to work at 50th Street and Eighth Avenue in Manhattan, resulting in injuries including a fractured cheek bone and facial contusions.
Testimony indicated that the victims believed Tantillo—known to them as part of the Gambino crime family—was involved in orchestrating the attack with Brooke. Following this incident, Tantillo contacted the victims’ brothers instructing them to pay Brooke and withdraw criminal charges against him. Out of fear for their safety and that of their employees, the demolition company owners paid $50,000 to Tantillo and $40,000 to their jointly operated company.
Diego 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.
Robert Brooke is 58 years old and resides in New York City.
