Gambino Crime Figure Commits Suicide

81-year old Gambino crime soldier, Anthony Anastasio, fatally shot himself this weekend, just days before he was set to serve a 2 ½ year prison term.

Anastasio was convicted for racketeering , arson, and extortion. He was set to surrender himself to authorities on May 10 to begin the prison term.

"It was a sudden death and his family is in mourning," Anastasio's lawyer, Paul Bergman, said, declining further comment.

Police say they found a suicide note allegedly written by Anastasio, a .22-caliber handgun and two shell casings.

The Fed's have continued their aggressive attack against the Gambino crime family in New York. New indictments were handed down for 14 Gambino family members and associates on a variety of charges two weeks ago. The rash of charges in the indictments include extortion , wire fraud , illegal gambling , loansharking , narcotics trafficking, jury tampering , and sex trafficking of minors.