A judge in Passaic County has sent John Alite back to a jail cell until the start of his trial on charges of loansharking and extortion.

The Englishtown councilman also holds convictions from his past for murder and money laundering as a former member and hitman for the Gambino crime family.

Superior Court Judge Imre Karaszegi stated that, based on the evidence surrounding the alleged crimes, there would be an escalating danger and a risk for potential witness intimidation if Alite were freed.

During a detention and probable cause hearing, the state argued that Alite had threatened two victims who were slow to pay back $150,000 in loans. Those loans carried a 7% monthly rate and 80% for the year.

In phone calls to those victims, Alite allegedly told the two victims that he "guts people like fish" and "Don't think that can't happen to you."

"We know from the defendant's own words that he is not a changed man. He told the victims that, in this case," Deputy State Attorney General Heather Hausleben said.

However, his defense says Alite never actually harmed anyone after making those calls and hasn't been in trouble with the law in 15 years.

"Were there phone calls during that time? Sure. Were they pleasant? No, they weren't pleasant. He wanted his money," said defense attorney Shawn Barnes.

Barnes later defended his client, saying, "The fact remains, for 15 years, John Alite has been in the community for 15 years with no issue. Not so much as a parking ticket in 15 years."

Alite can appeal the judge's decision to have him stay in jail.

The state will now send the case to the grand jury for consideration.