In a major crackdown on organized crime, authorities charged 14 individuals, including two ex-Rutgers wrestlers and members of the Lucchese crime family, for orchestrating a multimillion-dollar illegal online sports betting network across the Garden State.
The operation, which funneled around $2 million in illicit wagers through offshore sites from 2022 to 2024, highlights the persistent grip of mafia-linked gambling despite New Jersey’s booming legal betting industry. State officials revealed the ring lured bettors systematically while blending family ties, student athletes, and nationwide bookies into a high-stakes enterprise.
Mob Soldier Leads Family-Run Gambling Empire
At the helm stood 55-year-old Joseph M. “Little Joe” Perna, a confirmed Lucchese crime family soldier who acted as the primary financier. His 25-year-old son, Joseph R. Perna from Oakland, NJ, managed day-to-day sportsbook activities, prosecutors allege.
The inner circle extended to more relatives: Anthony R. Perna (23, Oakland), stepson Frank Zito (23, Fairfield), nephew Dominic Perna (23, Newark), and nephew Michael Cetta (23, North Haledon). Additional defendants include Tyler Schnorrbusch (23, Wyckoff), Nicholas Raimo (25, East Hanover), Spencer Speziale (22, Wyckoff), Joseph Janish (23, North Caldwell), William Medeiros (22, North Kingstown, RI), and Devon Shuster (28, Gainesville, FL).
Probers noted payments from illegal proceeds went to Perna’s wife, Kim Zito (53, Fairfield), in late 2023. His ex-wife, Rosanna Magno (52, Oakland), allegedly hid gambling records during an April 2025 traffic stop.
Though current and former college athletes played key roles in running the books, specifics on schools or bet types remain undisclosed. The probe kicked off in January 2024 by the New Jersey State Police Port Investigation Unit, targeting Essex and Bergen counties. See all charges here.
State Police Vow to Uproot Criminal Networks
“The takedown of this organized illegal sports gambling ring underscores our unwavering commitment to dismantling criminal networks that profit from corruption and greed,” Colonel Patrick J. Callahan, Superintendent of the New Jersey State Police said. “These racketeering operations exploit vulnerable individuals and communities, and today’s charges send a clear message—we will continue to protect victims and pursue justice wherever organized crime takes root.”
This bust follows closely on another sweeping indictment last month involving ex-NBA stars, mafia figures, and rigged poker schemes—signaling intensified efforts against underground wagering.
“Despite the proliferation of legal betting of all kinds, gambling remains a mainstay of members and associates of organized crime. The locations and methods may have evolved, but illegal gambling–in this case, sports betting–remains a problem, and we will charge those who seek to profit from it.”
Charges and Potential Penalties in New Jersey
Defendants face racketeering, money laundering, and promoting gambling counts:
- First-degree crimes: 10-20 years in prison, up to $200,000 fine ($500,000 for money laundering).
- Second-degree charges: 5-10 years, up to $150,000 fine.
- Third-degree charges: 3-5 years, up to $15,000 fine.
- Fourth-degree offenses: Up to 18 months, up to $10,000 fine.
The case falls under Deputy Attorney General Robert Anstatt, overseen by Deputy Chief Kevin Long and Bureau Chief Brian Carney. Multi-agency support came from Tampa PD, Rhode Island State Police, FBI-Newark, and Gainesville PD.
“Despite the proliferation of legal betting of all kinds, gambling remains a mainstay of members and associates of organized crime. The locations and methods may have evolved, but illegal gambling – in this case, sports betting – remains a problem, and we will charge those who seek to profit from it,” said Attorney General Platkin.
All accused are innocent until proven guilty. This developing story underscores risks in New Jersey’s sports betting landscape, where legal options like DraftKings and FanDuel dominate—but shadows of mob influence linger.
The New Jersey Digest is a new jersey magazine that has chronicled daily life in the Garden State for over 10 years.