Fourteen people have been charged with running a sports betting ring in New Jersey. Announced by the Attorney General, Matthew J. Platkin, the “multimillion” scheme was run by an organized crime operation. It comes as several sports leagues, such as the NBA, have faced similar scandals involving star players.
At the heart of the gambling ring is Joseph M. “Little Joe” Perna. The 55-year-old has been charged with first-degree racketeering, as well as money laundering, second-degree conspiracy, and third-degree promotion of gambling. Perna’s charges could land him in prison for over 50 years, as the first-degree charges carry 10 to 20 years with them, alone.
Today we announced charges against 14 defendants for their roles in a multimillion-dollar illegal sports betting ring.
Organized crime may evolve, but our message is clear: we will pursue and prosecute those who break the law. pic.twitter.com/GlJ2OW8zd4
— Attorney General Matt Platkin (@NewJerseyOAG) November 13, 2025
Perna will most likely face fines too, with the maximum fine tallying over $850,000 if he’s given the maximum. Joining Perna for racketeering are his wife and ex-wife. Rosanna Magno, 52, Perna’s ex-wife, was allegedly caught concealing the ledgers for the gambling ring. Kim Zito, 53, Perna’s current wife and mother to the also arrested Frank Zito, reportedly took payments from the gambling ring.
Alongside the Perna’s stepson, wife, and ex-wife, Perna’s sons, nephews, and a variety of other individuals have also been charged.
The case began in January 2024, as the Port Investigations Unit and the NJSP Port Security Section worked to kick off the investigation in Essex and Bergen counties in New Jersey. According to the Attorney General’s report, those involved were student athletes, and the gambling ring itself managed to make around $2 million.
As the New Jersey Attorney General’s press release reports, Perna’s son, Joseph R., 25, took charge of the daily operations of the gambling ring.
New Jersey Attorney General comments on Perna betting ring
Speaking in the press release, Platkin said: “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.
“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 L. Hilton added: “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.”
Colonel Patrick J. Callahan, Superintendent of the New Jersey State Police, concluded: “The takedown of this organized illegal sports gambling ring underscores our unwavering commitment to dismantling criminal networks that profit from corruption and greed.
“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.”
Featured image: Rutgers Edu.
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