Authorities in New Jersey have charged fourteen people for their roles in a multi-million dollar sports betting ring operated by a member and associates of organized crime.
The charges were announced by the state’s Attorney General Matthew Platkin, the Division of Criminal Justice (DCJ), and the New Jersey State Police (NJSP) on Thursday.
The head of the illegal operation, Joseph “Little Joe” Perna, has been identified as a member of organized crime, and is charged along with his sons, stepson, nephews and others, with racketeering, conspiracy, gambling offenses, and money laundering.
Perna’s wife and ex-wife are also charged independently of the racketeering scheme.
“We may all think that the portrayal of organized crime we remember from movies and television shows and books no longer exists, but we are announcing charges today that allege it still does,” said Attorney General Platkin. “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.”
DCJ director Theresa Hilton said: “Today we are alleging that a member and associates of the Lucchese crime family were running a sophisticated sports betting operation. They are also charged with money laundering and other crimes as part of their racketeering enterprise. We are committed to rooting out these illegal operations and protecting the public from becoming their victims.”
According to documents filed in the case, in January 2024 members of the Port Investigations Unit of the NJSP Port Security Section began an investigation into an illegal sports betting enterprise operating out of Essex and Bergen counties.
The enterprise systematically enticed individuals to place bets, and the illicit proceeds were used to operate the enterprise and enrich the enterprise members. Members of the enterprise included student athletes, who operated sportsbooks for the Perna enterprise. Between 2022 and 2024, the enterprise transferred approximately $2 million in suspected gambling transactions.
The enterprise included a nationwide web of bookmakers allegedly operating under the direction of Joseph “Little Joe” Perna, a soldier in the Lucchese crime family.
“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 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.”