14 Charged in NJ Crime Family’s Major Sports Betting Ring

BREAKING: Fourteen individuals have been charged in a major sports betting operation allegedly linked to organized crime in North Jersey, authorities confirmed just hours ago. Attorney General Matthew Platkin identified the suspected ringleader as Joseph “Little Joe” Perna, 55, a reputed soldier in the Lucchese crime family, operating from Fairfield.

This operation, which authorities say ran from 2022 to 2024, is believed to have processed approximately $2 million in illegal betting transactions. The network reportedly solicited individuals to place sports bets, with profits benefiting members of the crime syndicate, including student-athletes.

In an urgent statement, Col. Patrick J. Callahan, superintendent of the New Jersey State Police, emphasized, “The takedown of this organized illegal sports gambling ring underscores our unwavering commitment to dismantling criminal networks that profit from corruption and greed.”

The investigation revealed a complex web of bookmakers based primarily in Essex and Bergen counties. Perna’s son, Joseph R. Perna, 25, of Oakland, allegedly managed daily sportsbook operations, overseeing a network that included his brother, Anthony Perna, 23; stepbrother Frank Zito, 23; and cousins Dominic Perna, 23, and Michael Cetta, 23.

In addition to family members, other defendants include Kim Zito, 53, Perna’s wife, and Rosanna Magno, 52, his ex-wife. Others charged include Tyler Schnorrbusch, 23, Nicholas Raimo, 25, Joseph Janish, 23, and Spencer Speziale, 22, all from New Jersey. Out-of-state charges were filed against William Medeiros, 22, of North Kingstown, Rhode Island, and Devon Shuster, 28, of Gainesville, Florida.

Most defendants face serious charges, including racketeering, conspiracy, gambling offenses, and money laundering. Notably, Perna’s wife and ex-wife are facing additional charges unrelated to the racketeering scheme.

As authorities continue to dismantle this extensive gambling operation, the implications are profound, not just for those involved but for the integrity of sports and the safety of local communities. The ongoing investigation is expected to reveal more developments, and officials stress the importance of community vigilance against such criminal activities.

Stay tuned for further updates on this breaking story as law enforcement works to address the fallout from this alleged crime ring.