Stamford Man Indicted for Extortion

David B. Fein, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, today announced that a federal grand jury sitting in New Haven has returned an indictment charging NICOLA MELIA, also known as “Nick,” 78, of Brushwood Road, Stamford, with five counts of collecting extensions of credit by extortionate means. The indictment was returned yesterday, April 5.

According to the allegations set forth in the indictment and statements previously made in court, MELIA made “street loans” to an individual in Fairfield County at high interest rates. On five separate occasions between November 14, 2010, and January 30, 2011, MELIA threatened this individual that he/she would be subject to violence if these debts were not paid.

MELIA has been in custody since March 23, 2011, when he was arrested pursuant to a federal criminal complaint. He has been detained since his arrest.

If convicted, MELIA faces a maximum term of imprisonment of 20 years and a fine up to $250,000, on each count.

U.S. Attorney Fein stressed that an indictment is only a charge and is not evidence of guilt. Charges are only allegations and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.

This matter is being investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Fairfield County Organized Crime Task Force, which includes members of the Stamford Police Department. This case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Hal Chen, Peter Jongbloed and Ray Miller.