Mobster extorted $50,000 from victim: Prosecutors

An alleged mobster has been charged with roughing up a victim and shaking him down for $50,000.

Prosecutors indicted Joseph Giordano, 63, Monday on charges he punched, kicked, slapped and threatened an unidentified victim to extort the money between March and June 2009. He pleaded not guilty and his bail was set at $100,000.

The Manhattan district attorney's office wouldn't say why he allegedly targeted his victim.

Giordano, of Long Island, was accused by prosecutors of being a captain in the Gambino crime family. His lawyer, James Pascarella, said he was innocent, according to the New York Post.

"I take exception to his being called a capo in the Gambino crime family," Pascarella reportedly said. "He does carry an Italian name, but aside from that there is no proof."

Giordano faces up to 15 years in prison if convicted. He is scheduled to return to court on Monday.