Eight members of the Lucchese crime family have pleaded guilty to charges related to an illegal gambling operation based in New Jersey. They admitted to their participation in running illicit poker games, a sportsbook, and various gaming rooms. New Jersey Attorney General Jennifer Davenport announced these pleas on Tuesday, adding to the existing tally of 27 individuals who have previously pleaded guilty in this extensive case. Notably, New Jersey Councilman Anand Shah, indicted alongside the mafia members, has pleaded not guilty to all charges since his indictment last October, and he subsequently won reelection in November.
The broader investigation has implicated a total of 42 individuals, including those allegedly at the helm of the operation. Prosecutors have identified George J. Zappola as the head of the criminal group, with Joseph R. Perna and John G. Perna as key supporters. All three are reported to be members of the Lucchese crime family, and prosecutors are recommending prison sentences of seven years for them.
Among the others who entered guilty pleas are Wayne D. Cross, Michael P. Frasso, Frank Imparato, Joseph Gossweiler, and Peter Norcia. Prosecutors have suggested a 15-year term for Frasso after he pleaded guilty to charges of racketeering, tax evasion, and corporate misconduct. Other defendants received sentence recommendations ranging from one to five years.
Additionally, three businesses—Cafe Gio, Frasso Trucking, and CJW Development and Consulting—were fined $250,000 for their involvement in the gambling scheme, as these entities were used to disguise the illicit proceeds, according to state authorities.
Allegations also involve agents from the sportsbook component who set up accounts on offshore sports gambling websites. These agents managed groups of bettors, collected debts, and funneled a portion of the earnings up the hierarchy of the operation.
Davenport mentioned that these guilty pleas mark a significant stride in the effort to dismantle this criminal organization and to hold those involved accountable. She emphasized the long-standing commitment of the Attorney General's Office to combat organized crime within New Jersey and safeguard the community.
The illicit operation is believed to have generated $4.79 million in revenue. Additional charges against members of the Lucchese family disclose attempts to offer illegal sports betting on college campuses throughout New Jersey. Joseph M. Perna, related to Joseph R. Perna, is accused of leading this aspect of the operation with his son, also named Joseph R. Perna, who reportedly recruited college student athletes to take bets from their peers. Prosecutors claim this segment of the operation yielded over $2 million in profits.
In addition to targeting the Lucchese family, authorities have also pursued members of the Bonanno, Gambino, and Genovese crime families. Among those indicted are NBA coach Chauncey Billups and former player Damon Jones, who are accused of involvement in rigged poker games. Seth Trustman, identified as a Lucchese family associate, is also included in the indictments.
Councilman Shah faces 18 charges related to his alleged partnership with Frasso in the sportsbook operation, facing a maximum potential prison sentence of 150 years. Arrested in April of last year along with other individuals involved, Shah spent seven weeks in jail before being released upon authorization from the Superior Court. Maintaining his innocence, he has stated that he and his legal team are confident in their ability to prove his case in court. Despite the charges, Shah won reelection as a Prospect Park, New Jersey councilman for a further three-year term in November. He asserted that his focus remains on serving the community with transparency and accountability.
