New charge for reputed mob associate

Hartford, Conn. (AP) - A reputed Connecticut mob associate awaiting trial on loan-sharking allegations is facing a new weapons charge.

The charge against 78-year-old Nicola Melia of Stamford was included in an indictment handed down by a federal grand jury in New Haven.

The Connecticut U.S. attorney's office said Tuesday that Melia had about 40 bullets on him the day he was arrested in March.

Melia, a reputed associate of the Gambino crime family, is accused of making "street loans" in Fairfield County and threatening violence if the debts were not paid.

He is charged with collecting extensions of credit by extortionate means and possession of ammunition by a previously convicted felon. He faces up to 30 years in prison if convicted of all charges.

A message was left Tuesday for his attorney.