US policemen deny Mafia murders

Louis Eppolito wrote a book about his family's Mafia links

Two former New York detectives accused of killing on behalf of the Mafia have pleaded not guilty to charges including eight murders.

Stephen Caracappa and Louis Eppolito appeared in court on Thursday.

They were arrested in Las Vegas last month, where they retired after serving in New York's police force.

They are accused of killing at least eight gangsters in the 1980s and early 1990s, as well as drug distribution and money laundering.

Mr Eppolito, 56, and Mr Caracappa, 63, were allegedly employed by the Luchese Mafia family. Prosecutors claim they were paid thousands of dollars a month even as they worked as police officers.

They are accused, in one case, of pulling over a member of a rival crime family, showing their police badges, and then shooting the man dead.