sports news
New Jersey Police Charge 14 in Alleged Mafia-Backed Gambling Ring Involving Former NCAA Athletes
New Jersey State Police and the Attorney General have announced charges against 14 individuals allegedly involved in a multimillion-pound New Jersey Mafia gambling ring. The operation, which reportedly siphoned off $2 million over two years, allegedly used former student-athletes as bookmakers.
Allegations of Organised Crime and Family Involvement
The charges were announced by New Jersey State Police (NJSP) and Attorney General Matthew J. Platkin. The investigation into the alleged illegal sports betting ring commenced in January 2024, finding that the scheme had taken in approximately $2 million over a two-year period.
Authorities charged New Jersey resident Joseph M. “Little Joe” Perna with racketeering conspiracy, money laundering, and various gambling offences for allegedly leading the illegal operation. Perna is accused of being an alleged member of the Lucchese crime family, linking the ring directly to the Italian Mafia.
The Attorney General stated that the scheme was a 'family affair.' Several of Perna’s relatives were charged for their alleged roles, including his sons, stepson, and nephews, who are accused of operating various sportsbooks. His 25-year-old son, Joseph, allegedly managed the ring’s daily activities.
Perna’s ex-wife, Rosanna Magno, was charged with allegedly attempting to conceal gambling ledgers during the inquiry.His wife, Kim Zito, was independently charged for allegedly receiving cash payments generated from the scheme.
NJSP Superintendent Colonel Patrick J. Callahan commented that the 'takedown of this organised illegal sports gambling ring underscores our unwavering commitment to dismantling criminal networks that profit from corruption and greed.' Perna’s attorney, Thomas Cataldo, told NBC Philadelphia that his client denies all the allegations set forth in the complaint and maintains that he is not guilty.
Former Athletes and Wider Sports Betting Issues
New Jersey authorities charged two former Rutgers University wrestlers, Michael Cetta and Nicholas Raimo, as bookies in the alleged ring. Another co-defendant, 22-year-old Spencer Speziale, is a certified National Basketball Players Association (NBAPA) agent but reportedly has no listed clients at present.
The source text did not clarify whether any other individuals charged in the case had existing or past ties to professional or amateur sports.
This case links to broader sports betting controversies involving the Lucchese family. The crime family is also allegedly connected to an illegal poker operation that led to the arrest of Portland Trail Blazers head coach Chauncey Billups and former Cleveland Cavaliers guard Damon Jones.
In a separate matter, the NBA is currently investigating Miami Heat guard Terry Rozier, who was reportedly arrested for allegedly sharing insider information and manipulating his gameplay to aid co-conspirators. The group is said to have wagered over $150,000 on Rozier’s player prop markets.
Major League Baseball (MLB) is also facing issues after two Cleveland Guardians pitchers, Luis Ortiz and Emmanuel Clase, were federally indicted for allegedly rigging pitches during games between 2023 and 2025 in exchange for kickbacks. MLB has placed both players on paid leave pending the results of the continuing investigation.
