Two former Rutgers wrestlers are among 14 people arrested and charged in New Jersey in connection to a multimillion-dollar sports betting ring.
Videos by FanBuzz
According to a release from the New Jersey Attorney General's Office, Lucchese crime family soldier Joseph M. "Little Joe" Perna operated an illegal sports betting operation out of Essex and Bergen counties. His son, Joseph R. Perna, conducted the daily operations of the sportsbook while working with dozens of subordinates.
MORE: Full list charges for this sports betting ring
The press release stated that this illegal enterprise "systematically enticed individuals to place bets, and the illicit proceeds were used to operate the enterprise and enrich the enterprise members." This group allegedly transferred approximately $2 million in suspected gambling operations between 2022 and 2024.
The co-defendants included former Rutgers wrestlers Michael Cetta and Nicholas Raimo. Cetta is a cousin of Joseph Perna. The group also included other members of the Perna family — Joseph's brother Anthony Perna, step-brother Frank Zito, and cousin Dominic Perna.
The New Jersey Attorney General also highlighted other co-defendants who allegedly managed their sportsbooks inside the Perna enterprise. This includes Raimo, Tyler Schnorrbusch, Joseph Janish, William Medeiros, Spencer Speziale, and Devon Shuster. Medeiros is a resident of Rhode Island while Shuster is a resident of Florida.
Little Joe's wife, Kim Zito, also allegedly received several payments from known conspirators, resulting in money laundering charges. His ex-wife, Rosanna Magno, "allegedly attempted to conceal what were later determined to be gambling ledgers from police."
The list of charges for the members of the alleged sports betting operation is extensive. The list includes racketeering, conspiracy, money laundering, promoting gambling by bookmaking, manufacturing false government documents, and possession of gambling records.
"The takedown of this organized illegal sports gambling ring underscores our unwavering commitment to dismantling criminal networks that profit from corruption and greed," said Colonel Patrick J. Callahan, Superintendent of the New Jersey State Police.
"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."
