Fourteen individuals, including two former Rutgers University wrestlers, have been indicted for their involvement in an illegal online sports gambling ring with ties to the Lucchese crime family in New Jersey. The mastermind behind the multi-million-dollar operation was identified as Joseph M. “Little Joe” Perna, a soldier in the Lucchese crime family based in Fairfield.
New Jersey Attorney General Matthew Platkin expressed his disdain for organized crime families continuing their illegal activities, stating that the authorities are determined to put an end to such operations. The gambling ring, which was operated as a family business, was run on a day-to-day basis by Perna’s son, Joseph R. Perna, from Oakland, NJ. The younger Perna had a team of subordinates, including his brother, stepbrother, and cousins, who were also implicated in the scheme.
In a surprising twist, Perna’s wife, Kim Zito, and ex-wife, Rosanna Magno, were also charged with attempting to conceal the illicit gambling activities. Additionally, former Rutgers University wrestlers, Michael Cetta and Nicholas Raimo, were among those indicted. Authorities suspect that the athletes may have been involved in manipulating the outcomes of games in which they participated.
The illegal sports betting ring, orchestrated by Little Joe Perna, involved a nationwide network of bookmakers who operated under his command to attract bettors and generate funds for the enterprise. Over a span of two years, the operation processed $2 million in gambling transactions, prompting an investigation by the New Jersey State Police’s Port Investigations Unit in early 2024.
The accused individuals are facing serious charges, including racketeering, conspiracy, gambling offenses, and money laundering. Attorney General Platkin issued a warning to college students, advising them to refrain from participating in mob-backed gambling operations and offering parental advice on responsible gambling practices.
The case serves as a reminder of the persistence of organized crime in the digital age and the efforts of law enforcement to combat illegal activities in the gambling industry. The indictment of individuals with ties to a notorious crime family underscores the ongoing battle against organized crime syndicates engaging in illicit activities across state lines.
