by Newark, NJ – Federal authorities announced this week that a sprawling illegal sports betting operation tied to the Lucchese crime family and involving college athletes has been dismantled, leading to charges against 14 individuals in New Jersey.
The network, active between 2022 and 2024, is alleged to have handled roughly $2 million in gambling transactions, soliciting participants—including student athletes—to place bets through offshore websites. Prosecutors say proceeds were funneled through the criminal enterprise, which operated like a racketeering scheme under organized crime oversight.
Alleged Ringleader and Family Involvement
At the center of the operation is Joseph M. “Little Joe” Perna, 55, identified by New Jersey Attorney General Matthew Platkin as a suspected “soldier” in the Lucchese crime family”. Perna is accused of overseeing the betting operation alongside multiple family members and faces six felony charges, including racketeering, conspiracy, gambling, and money laundering.
According to prosecutors, Perna acted as the financier of the network, while the day-to-day operations were managed by his 25-year-old son, Joseph R. Perna, who coordinated numerous “subordinate agents.” Additional family members charged include:
- Anthony R. Perna, 23 – son
- Frank Zito, 23 – stepson
- Dominic Perna, 23 – nephew
- Michael Cetta, 23 – nephew
- Kim Zito, 53 – wife, accused of receiving payments from the scheme
- Rosanna Magno, 52 – ex-wife, accused of attempting to hide gambling ledgers
Scope of the Gambling Operation
Investigators say the operation “systematically enticed individuals to place bets” through a combination of student athletes and offshore betting platforms, funneling millions through the network. Authorities described the arrests as part of a broader effort to target organized crime’s influence on illegal gambling.
Attorney Thomas Cataldo, representing Joseph M. Perna, told NBC Philadelphia: “On behalf of my client, he denies all allegations and is not guilty of the charges.”
Investigation and Law Enforcement Statements
The investigation began in January 2024, led by New Jersey State Police detectives examining illegal gambling in Essex and Bergen counties.
Colonel Patrick J. Callahan, Superintendent of the New Jersey State Police, said:
“The takedown of this organized illegal sports gambling ring underscores our unwavering commitment to dismantling criminal networks that profit from corruption and greed. These racketeering operations exploit vulnerable individuals and communities.”
Attorney General Platkin added:
“Despite the proliferation of legal betting, gambling remains a mainstay of organized crime. The locations and methods may have evolved, but illegal sports betting remains a problem, and we will charge those who seek to profit from it.”
Broader Context in Sports Gambling Cases
The arrests follow a federal indictment last month involving alleged Lucchese associates and other crime families in a multimillion-dollar rigged poker scheme that also implicated professional athletes, including Portland Trail Blazers coach Chauncey Billups, Miami Heat guard Terry Rozier, and former NBA player Damon Jones. All individuals deny involvement, and Jones pleaded not guilty last week.
Earlier this month, MLB pitchers Luis Ortiz and Emmanuel Clase were also charged with allegedly taking bribes linked to gambling. Both deny the allegations.
What are your thoughts on organized crime infiltrating sports and student athletics? Share your comments below and join the conversation on how authorities can prevent illegal gambling networks from targeting athletes.
