SALEM, Mass. (AP) – A reputed underboss of the New England Mafia pleaded not guilty Monday to gambling and extortion charges.

Carmen Salvatore DiNunzio, known as “The Big Cheese,” was indicted by an Essex County grand jury Friday on charges of extortion, maintaining and operating a gaming operation and conspiracy to maintain and operate a gaming operation. He was arrested by state police as he left a social club in Boston’s North End.

DiNunzio was released Monday after posting $20,000 cash bail following his arraignment in Salem Superior Court.

DiNunzio, 49, who operated a cheese shop in the North End, allegedly rose through the ranks of local organized crime to become underboss about four years ago.

The Essex County District Attorney’s office said authorities have been investigating alleged mob-related extortion of bookmakers involving DiNunzio since 2001. A state police officer testified in federal court last year that Arthur Gianelli, a Lynnfield bookmaker and brother-in-law of former FBI agent John Connolly Jr., was paying DiNunzio $2,000 a month for permission to operate his gambling business.

DiNunzio is due back in court Jan. 22 for a status conference.