the staff of the Ridgewood blog
Franklin Lakes NJ, Bergen County resident Tommy Manzo, known for his appearances on the reality show Real Housewives of New Jersey, was sentenced to seven years in prison on Tuesday for hiring a Lucchese crime family member to assault his ex-wife’s boyfriend, according to federal officials.
Manzo, 59, of Franklin Lakes, was convicted in June 2024 following a two-and-a-half-week trial in Newark. Prosecutors revealed that in 2015, Manzo hired a Lucchese crime family “soldier” to assault Dina Manzo’s then-boyfriend (now husband) in exchange for a lavish wedding reception at Manzo’s catering hall.
Mob Ties and Marital Troubles
“Whether you’re actually in the Mafia or not, hiring the mob to assault someone because of your marital problems is abhorrent,” said U.S. Attorney Philip R. Sellinger. “Covering up the role you played only makes it worse. Today’s sentence makes it clear that this office will hold accountable anyone who commits such crimes.”
Manzo was convicted of three charges: committing a violent crime in aid of racketeering, conspiracy to commit a violent crime in aid of racketeering, and falsifying documents during a federal investigation.
The Crime and Cover-Up
According to court documents and the U.S. Attorney’s Office, the events unfolded in the spring of 2015. Manzo, co-owner of The Brownstone, a well-known catering venue in Paterson, New Jersey, arranged for Lucchese crime family member John Perna to assault his ex-wife’s boyfriend. In return, Perna was given a free wedding reception at The Brownstone, which took place in August 2015 and was attended by around 330 people, including many members of the Lucchese family.
In 2019, Manzo attempted to cover up his involvement by falsifying documents related to the Perna wedding in response to a federal investigation. However, his efforts were uncovered, leading to his eventual conviction.
In addition to his seven-year prison sentence, Manzo was ordered to serve three years of supervised release. He was taken into custody immediately following the sentencing.
Dina Manzo’s Response
Following the sentencing, Dina Manzo, who has distanced herself from the drama surrounding her ex-husband, shared a reflective message on Instagram. “So. many layers… so much emotion. I’m leaning into all of it. Eventually, I will speak on every bit of it… lots of self-control not to send the text or make the call.”
Support poured in from her fans, many praising her strength during this challenging time. One follower commented, “You don’t need to make any calls or texts. They should be calling or texting YOU, with an apology! For standing behind a man that did what he did. Period!”
Reality TV and Real-Life Consequences
Tommy Manzo first appeared on Real Housewives of New Jersey during its early seasons, alongside Dina Manzo, where their tumultuous relationship was a topic of discussion. Dina’s sister is also married to Tommy’s brother, further intertwining the family dynamics. However, Tommy Manzo’s recent legal troubles and ties to organized crime have taken his story far beyond the realm of reality television.
The sentencing marks the end of a long and complicated saga for Manzo, but for Dina and her supporters, the emotional fallout is still unfolding.
What do you think about reality stars who find themselves embroiled in real-life crime? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
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Newton Minnow was right. TV still is a vast wasteland.
Keep lionizing trash.