Alleged Hit Man Caught At Seattle Restaurant

SEATTLE

Gennero "Meatball" Arthur, an alleged hit man for what federal agents call New Orleans' biggest drug ring, was taken into custody by federal marshals.

Chief Deputy U.S. Marshal Robert Christman said Arthur, 28, was arrested without incident Tuesday at the Seattle restaurant where he worked by two deputies posing as kitchen equipment-repair workers.

Arthur appeared before a federal magistrate yesterday. He was ordered held pending a detention hearing.

Arthur is charged in a 52-count indictment under the Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act (RICO). The indictment includes allegations of six murders, attempted murder, cocaine distribution, assault, illegal weapons and money laundering. In addition, Arthur is wanted on two separate murder warrants issued in New Orleans.