Multiple family members were caught up in an alleged sports betting ring in New Jersey, with connections to a known crime family.
Fourteen people have been charged with running a sports betting ring in New Jersey, in a move announced by the Attorney General, Matthew J. Platkin, on November 14. The alleged “multimillion” dollar scheme was run by an organized crime operation, with connections to the Lucchese crime family.
As many of those suspected of being involved are related to one another, here’s a closer look at some of the central figures. All have been charged with racketeering, conspiracy, gambling offenses, and money laundering.
Alleged crime family web behind New Jersey sports betting ring
Joseph M. ‘Little Joe’ Perna
The operation is thought to have been headed up by Joseph M. ‘Little Joe’ Perna. The 55-year-old has been charged with racketeering, conspiracy, gambling offenses, and money laundering, and is thought to be a Lucchese crime family soldier.
His role in the operation is thought to be the financier and organizer, bringing in his sons, stepsons, wife, and ex-wife.
Kim Zito
53-year-old Kim Zito is currently married to Perna, and the couple have a child together. She reportedly took payments from the gambling ring, while also showcasing a lavish lifestyle on social media, documenting her two small dogs, various homes and apartments that she flips, and frequent nights out with designer clothing and accessories on Facebook and Instagram.
As well as the same charges of racketeering, conspiracy, gambling offenses, and money laundering, Zito has also been charged with independent racketeering scheme charges.
Frank Zito
Perna and Zito’s son Frank, a 23-year-old former Ramapo High School wrestling star, reportedly oversaw the sportsbook side of the illegal operation. In New Jersey court documents, it’s stated that both Perna and Kim Zito received suspicious payments from known conspirators of Frank.
Joseph Perna
The sportsbook operation Frank is said to have run reportedly involved his two stepbrothers, who are Perna’s sons from a previous marriage. One of them is 25-year-old Joseph Perna, a former wrestler at Ramapo High School.
Anthony Perna
His 23-year-old brother Anthony was also a sporting student, having played football for Bergen Catholic High School in the past. He is also alleged to be involved in the sportsbook operations.
Rosanna Magno
Rosanna, 52, is a former wife of Perna and the mother of Joseph (the younger) and Anthony Perna. She was allegedly caught concealing the ledgers for the gambling ring, which led to separate racketeering charges on top of those brought against the rest of the group.
Michael Cetta
Rosanna Magno’s nephew Michael Cetta is another ex-Rutgers wrestler alleged to be involved in the operation. The 23-year-old was one of many agents reported to have been involved in the sportsbook operations under Perna’s three sons.
He climbed as high as 26th in the nation at 149 pounds and qualified for the NCAA tournament as a junior, picking up nine wins that season. By the time he wrapped up his college career, he’d put together a 40–27 record.
Nicolas Raimo
Like Cetta, 25-year-old Nicolas Raimo is an ex-Rutgers wrestler and an alleged sub-agent in the operation. Raimo was a two-time state champ at Hanover Park High School, and he originally wrestled at Arizona State before transferring back closer to home.
He never actually suited up for the Scarlet Knights, though, because an injury kept him out for the entire 2021–22 season. According to Arizona State’s website, he finished his high school career with a 132–5 record.
Dominic Perna
23-year-old Dominic, cousin of Michael Cetta, is the last family member included in the court documents, but one of dozens of other illegal sportsbook agents.
Featured image: Kim Zito, Instagram
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