John Gotti's grandson arrested in NYC on drug charge

NEW YORK – A grandson and namesake of the notorious mobster John Gotti was arrested Thursday in New York City on a drug charge.

Police said 500 oxycodone pills were recovered at the Queens home where the late mobster once lived. John Gotti, the grandson, was arrested, along with his girlfriend, authorities said.

It was part of a probe that has led to seven arrests.

Six search warrants were executed, including one at Gotti's tattoo parlor.

"So far, it is alleged that police have recovered approximately $240,000 in cash, more than 850 oxycodone and Xanax pills, and drug ledgers and other records," Queens District Attorney Richard A. Brown said.

Oxycodone "is especially popular with club patrons" and "has a high potential for abuse and death," Brown said.

Gotti's attorney, Gerard Marrone, said children were present when police "broke in doors" and "wrecked the house."

"I would have just surrendered him. It really wasn't necessary," said Marrone, asserting that the actions were taken "because of his last name; they want to make a headline."

"We're going to enter a plea of not guilty and fight the case," Marrone said.

He said Gotti's father, Peter, who also lives there, is law-abiding and owns a bread route. Peter Gotti was in Ohio, where he's involved in a John Travolta movie, the lawyer said.