14 Arrested in Multimillion-Dollar Sports Betting Operation
In a significant crackdown on illegal sports betting, authorities have arrested 14 individuals linked to a multimillion-dollar gambling operation. The New Jersey Attorney General, Matt Platkin, announced these arrests on a Thursday, revealing that the operation spanned both the state and national levels.
Details of the Arrests
At the center of the investigation is Joseph “Little Joe” Perna, a 55-year-old resident of Fairfield. Authorities have identified him as a member of the Lucchese crime family, where he reportedly served as a “soldier” and acted as the primary financier for this gambling ring.
- Key Individual: Joseph “Little Joe” Perna
- Age: 55
- Location: Fairfield, New Jersey
- Affiliation: Lucchese crime family
Charges and Connections
Perna was charged alongside his family members, including his sons, stepson, nephews, wife, and ex-wife. This operation has raised concerns about organized crime’s influence on illegal sports betting activities across the country.
Among those arrested are Nicholas Raimo, 25, from East Hanover, and Michael Cetta, 23, from North Haledon. Both were highlighted as former wrestlers at Rutgers University. However, the Attorney General’s office clarified that there was no indication that the university or its athletic teams were directly involved in the illegal activities.
Conclusion
This operation underscores the ongoing battle against illegal sports betting, a concern that continues to affect communities across the nation. The legal actions taken by New Jersey officials aim to dismantle these organized crime-affiliated networks and deter future illegal operations.
