Thomas Manzo, ex-husband of “Real Housewives of New Jersey” star Dina Cantin, was sentenced to seven years in prison for hiring a man to assault his ex-wife’s boyfriend.
Manzo, 59, was convicted of violent crime in aid of racketeering, conspiracy, and falsifying records. He faced a maximum sentence of 46 years.
Prosecutors said that in 2015, Manzo, co-owner of The Brownstone catering hall, enlisted John Perna, a soldier in the Lucchese crime family, to carry out the attack. In return, Manzo provided Perna with a free wedding reception at The Brownstone. The assault took place on July 18, 2015, and Perna’s wedding, attended by 330 guests—many tied to the Lucchese family—was held the following month.
“Using the mob to resolve personal disputes is disgraceful,” U.S. Attorney Philip Sellinger said. “Lying to cover it up makes it worse. This sentence shows we will hold anyone accountable for these crimes.”
Perna previously pleaded guilty and served 2 1/2 years. He was released in August.
The New Jersey Digest is a new jersey magazine that has chronicled daily life in the Garden State for over 10 years.