Lucchese Mob Gambling Ring Dismantled: 8 Plead Guilty in Massive $4.8M New Jersey Scheme
the staff of the Ridgewood blog
Prospect Park ,NJ— The modern face of organized crime just took a massive hit in New Jersey. State officials announced a major breakthrough in a multi-year investigation targeting the Lucchese crime family, resulting in guilty pleas from eight high-level members, associates, and connected corporations involved in a sprawling $4.79 million illegal gambling and money laundering enterprise.
The convictions follow a comprehensive two-year investigation spearheaded by the New Jersey State Police (NJSP) and the Division of Criminal Justice (DCJ). Since the initial wave of arrests in April 2025, a total of 35 individuals have now admitted guilt under the massive 42-person indictment.
“The guilty pleas accepted today represent another important step in dismantling this criminal enterprise and holding the individuals involved accountable,” said Attorney General Jennifer Davenport. “Organized crime has no place in New Jersey.”
How the $4.8M Underground Operation Worked
Court documents reveal a sophisticated operation that successfully combined old-school Mafia tactics with 21st-century digital technology. The enterprise operated across two primary fronts:
1. Underground Poker Clubs & Live Gambling
The criminal ring managed local “social clubs” throughout Northern New Jersey that housed live poker games and electronic gambling machines. High-level bosses delegated the daily management to local operators who collected “rent” from game hosts.
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The “Rake”: Hosts turned a profit by taking a percentage of every live poker hand played.
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Exploitation: Dealers running the tables were frequently working off prior, heavy gambling debts owed directly to the hosts.
2. Tech-Savvy Offshore Sportsbooks
Moving far beyond traditional street corners, the Lucchese enterprise utilized foreign-based sports gambling websites to scale their operations.
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The “Agents”: Modern-day bookies (referred to as agents) managed “packages” or groups of local bettors.
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The Structure: Sub-agents routed a substantial cut of the weekly winnings up the chain of command to top-tier Mafia management.
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Enforcement: The enterprise relied heavily on threats and intimidation to settle disputes and collect overdue gambling debts.
To mask the millions flowing through the system, the group utilized multiple shell corporations and otherwise legitimate businesses—such as trucking and consulting companies—to launder the illicit cash.
Sentencing and Key Defendants
The defendants entered their pleas in Morris County before Superior Court Judge Ralph E. Amirata. Among those facing significant prison time are several high-profile figures:
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George Zappola, Joseph R. Perna, and John G. Perna: Identified as high-level managers of the criminal enterprise and alleged members of the Lucchese Crime Family, all three pleaded guilty to second-degree racketeering with a recommended sentence of 7 years in state prison.
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Michael P. Frasso (48, Cedar Grove, NJ): A sportsbook agent who pleaded guilty to racketeering, corporate misconduct, and failure to pay income tax. He faces a staggering 15-year aggregate prison recommendation.
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Wayne D. Cross: A Lucchese associate who pleaded guilty to promoting gambling, facing a 5-year recommended sentence.
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Frank Imparato (46, Saddle Brook, NJ): A poker club manager who pleaded guilty to third-degree conspiracy (4 years recommended).
Three involved corporations—Café Gio, Frasso Trucking, and CJW Development and Consulting—also pleaded guilty to conspiracy charges, each drawing a $250,000 monetary penalty for their roles in concealing the dirty money.
Charges remain pending against seven additional defendants, who are presumed innocent until proven guilty.
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