by Newark, NJ – An alleged multi-million dollar illegal sports betting operation, led by a suspected member of the Lucchese crime family, has been exposed in New Jersey. Authorities charged 14 people, including Joseph M. “Little Joe” Perna, 55, and several family members, detailing a complex web of illegal gambling involving student athletes and offshore betting websites.
This crackdown highlights ongoing efforts to combat organized crime’s influence in sports gambling, despite the rise of legal betting avenues.
The Criminal Network Unveiled
Joseph M. Perna, believed to be a key figure in the Lucchese crime family, faces charges of racketeering, conspiracy, gambling offenses, and money laundering, as announced by the New Jersey Attorney General’s Office. The investigation revealed that Perna directed a nationwide network of bookmakers through his son, Joseph R. Perna, 25, who reportedly managed dozens of subordinate agents, many of whom are family members:
- Anthony R. Perna, 23 (son)
- Frank Zito, 23 (stepson)
- Dominic Perna, 23 (nephew)
- Michael Cetta, 23 (nephew)
These individuals have also been charged in connection with the illegal sports betting ring.
“Today we are alleging that a member and associates of the Lucchese crime family were running a sophisticated sports betting operation,” said Theresa L. Hilton, director of the New Jersey Division of Criminal Justice.
A Sophisticated Betting Scheme Involving Student Athletes
Between 2022 and 2024, the operation allegedly processed around $2 million in bets. Student athletes were reportedly involved in facilitating betting activities, and offshore gambling websites were used to attract bets systematically. The funds were distributed across the criminal network, demonstrating the ring’s extensive reach and coordination.
- The ring exploited both local and offshore platforms
- Student athletes played a role in running betting operations
- Authorities discovered a five-page chart detailing the complex charges
New Jersey Attorney General Matthew J. Platkin highlighted the persistence of illegal gambling despite the expansion of legal betting markets:
“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.”
Legal Responses and Related Cases
The charges against the Perna family come amid broader crackdowns involving other organized crime groups and sports figures. Recent federal indictments have implicated associates of the Lucchese family in rigged poker games, with notable sports personalities such as Portland Trail Blazers coach Chauncey Billups and Miami Heat guard Terry Rozier named in related investigations. While some defendants deny involvement, these cases emphasize the ongoing intersection of sports and illegal gambling schemes. For more detailed reports, see the NBC News coverage.
Official Statements and Next Steps
The investigation began in January 2024, focusing on illegal gambling activities in Essex and Bergen counties. New Jersey State Police Superintendent Colonel Patrick J. Callahan emphasized the importance of combating such racketeering operations:
“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.”
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Defense attorneys for some accused individuals have denied the allegations, with Joseph M. Perna’s lawyer stating their client is not guilty and looks forward to addressing the charges in court.
Key Facts About the Case
- 14 individuals charged, including suspected mafia members and family
- Operation allegedly handled $2 million in illegal bets between 2022-2024
- Charges include racketeering, conspiracy, gambling offenses, and money laundering
- Student athletes and offshore websites involved in betting activities
- Investigation began in early 2024 in New Jersey’s Essex and Bergen counties
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