A shadow fell over New Jersey’s sports betting world with the unraveling of a multimillion-dollar scheme, deeply entwined with the notorious Lucchese crime family. Fourteen individuals now face serious charges – racketeering, conspiracy, gambling offenses, and money laundering – in a case that exposes a network built on family ties and illicit gains.
At the center of the alleged operation stands Joseph M. “Little Joe” Perna, 55, identified as a soldier within the Lucchese organization. He’s accused of being the architect and financier, a man who didn’t hesitate to involve the closest people in his life – his sons, stepsons, wife, and even his ex-wife – in a dangerous game.
Perna’s current wife, Kim Zito, 53, allegedly played a key role, handling payments while simultaneously cultivating a lavish online persona. Her social media accounts showcased a life of luxury – designer clothes, frequent outings, and a collection of pampered pets – a stark contrast to the criminal enterprise she’s accused of supporting.
The operation’s sportsbook was reportedly managed by Frank Zito, 23, Perna’s son and a former high school wrestling star. Court documents suggest suspicious payments flowed from known conspirators directly to Perna and Kim Zito, highlighting the intricate financial web they allegedly constructed.
Frank wasn’t alone in running the betting side of the business. He allegedly relied on his two stepbrothers, Joseph Perna, 25, and Anthony Perna, 23, both also former athletes from Ramapo and Bergen Catholic High Schools respectively. The family’s involvement deepened with each layer of the operation.
Adding another layer of complexity, Rosanna Magno, 52, Perna’s former wife and the mother of Joseph and Anthony, is accused of actively concealing the gambling ring’s financial records. This act alone led to additional racketeering charges, demonstrating the lengths to which those involved allegedly went to protect the scheme.
The reach of the operation extended beyond immediate family, ensnaring former Rutgers University athletes. Michael Cetta, 23, a nationally ranked wrestler, and Nicolas Raimo, 25, a two-time state champion, were both charged as sub-agents within the network, leveraging their athletic backgrounds for illicit gain.
Cetta, who once ranked 26th nationally, and Raimo, who transferred to Rutgers after a promising start at Arizona State, allegedly served as key figures in expanding the sportsbook’s reach. Their involvement underscores how the allure of easy money can draw individuals from seemingly legitimate paths into the world of organized crime.
Dominic Perna, 23, a cousin of Cetta, completes the family portrait of those implicated. He, like many others, allegedly operated as an illegal sportsbook agent, contributing to the widespread network that authorities have now dismantled. The case serves as a chilling reminder of the enduring power and insidious reach of organized crime.
