New Jersey, November 14, 2025
Authorities in New Jersey have charged 14 individuals, including a reputed member of the Lucchese crime family, for their roles in a multimillion-dollar illegal sports betting scheme. This operation allegedly involved recruiting college athletes to manage local sportsbooks, facilitating around $2 million in transactions over two years. The charges include racketeering and money laundering, raising concerns about the integrity of collegiate athletics. Law enforcement views this as a victory in the fight against organized crime and its impact on sports.
New Jersey
Authorities have charged 14 individuals, including a reputed member of the Lucchese crime family and his family members, in connection with a multimillion-dollar illegal sports betting operation. The scheme allegedly involved recruiting college athletes to serve as bookmakers, facilitating approximately $2 million in transactions over two years. The charges include racketeering, conspiracy, gambling offenses, and money laundering.
Details of the Operation
The investigation revealed that Joseph M. “Little Joe” Perna, 55, a soldier in the Lucchese crime family, acted as the financier of the illegal gambling ring. His son, Joseph R. Perna, 25, managed the daily operations, recruiting individuals—including college athletes—to operate local sportsbooks across the country. Other family members involved included Anthony R. Perna, 23; Frank Zito, 23; Dominic Perna, 23; and Michael Cetta, 23. Additionally, six other individuals were charged for their roles in managing various aspects of the operation. The enterprise focused on college sports, raising concerns about the integrity of collegiate athletics. The investigation began in January 2024 and uncovered a Nationwide network of illegal bookmakers tied to organized crime. The operation is alleged to have overseen approximately $2 million in transactions between 2022 and 2024.
Background Context
Illegal gambling and loan sharking have long been associated with organized crime families. In December 2022, Steven Mazzone, the underboss of the Philadelphia Mafia, was sentenced to five years in prison for leading a racketeering conspiracy involving loansharking, gambling, and extortion. Similarly, in December 2024, several members of the Gambino crime family were arrested on Staten Island for illegal gambling and loan shark operations. These cases highlight the ongoing efforts by law enforcement to dismantle organized crime activities and protect communities from such illicit enterprises.
Impact on Collegiate Sports
The involvement of college athletes in this gambling ring underscores the vulnerability of collegiate sports to corruption. The NCAA has been increasingly vigilant in addressing issues related to sports betting and its potential impact on game integrity. This case serves as a reminder of the importance of maintaining strict regulations and oversight to preserve the fairness and credibility of collegiate athletics.
Legal Proceedings
The 14 individuals charged in this case are facing serious legal consequences, including potential prison time and substantial fines. The legal process will determine the extent of each individual’s involvement and the appropriate penalties. This case serves as a significant example of law enforcement’s commitment to addressing organized crime and its impact on various sectors, including sports.
Conclusion
The dismantling of this illegal sports betting operation represents a significant victory for law enforcement agencies and a step toward preserving the integrity of collegiate sports. Ongoing vigilance and collaboration among federal, state, and local authorities remain crucial in combating organized crime and its pervasive influence on society.
FAQ
- What charges have been brought against the 14 individuals?
- The charges include racketeering, conspiracy, gambling offenses, and money laundering.
- Who was leading the illegal gambling operation?
- Joseph M. “Little Joe” Perna, 55, a soldier in the Lucchese crime family, acted as the financier of the operation.
- How did college athletes become involved in the gambling ring?
- College athletes were recruited to serve as bookmakers, facilitating the illegal sports betting activities.
- What is the total amount of transactions involved in the operation?
- The operation is alleged to have overseen approximately $2 million in transactions over two years.
- What are the potential legal consequences for those charged?
- The individuals face serious legal consequences, including potential prison time and substantial fines, pending the outcome of legal proceedings.
Key Features of the Case
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Number of Individuals Charged | 14 |
| Alleged Leader | Joseph M. “Little Joe” Perna, 55 |
| Family Members Involved | Joseph R. Perna, Anthony R. Perna, Frank Zito, Dominic Perna, Michael Cetta |
| Other Co-Defendants | Six individuals managing various aspects of the operation |
| Total Alleged Transactions | Approximately $2 million over two years |
| Charges Faced | Racketeering, conspiracy, gambling offenses, money laundering |
| Impact on Collegiate Sports | Involvement of college athletes as bookmakers, raising concerns about game integrity |
| Legal Consequences | Potential prison time and substantial fines, pending legal proceedings |
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