New Jersey Authorities Charge 14, Including College Athletes, in Mob-Linked Sports Betting Ring
TRENTON, N.J. – Fourteen individuals,including several college athletes,were charged with racketeering,money laundering,and bookmaking offenses in connection with an illegal sports betting operation with ties to organized crime,new Jersey Attorney General Matthew Platkin announced Thursday. The two-year inquiry, originating in the state’s port area, uncovered an estimated $2 million in illicit funds trafficked between 2022 and 2025.
The ring was allegedly led by Joseph “Little Joe” Perna, with his son managing the day-to-day operations. Perna’s family, including his sons, nephews, wife, and ex-wife, were also deeply involved, according to Platkin.
Those charged include Anthony Perna,23,of Oakland; Tyler Schnorbusch,23,and Spencer Speziale,22,both of Wyckoff; Frank Zito,23,of Fairfield; Dominic Perna,23,of Newark; and Joseph Janish,23,of North Caldwell. William Medeiros, 22, of North Kingstown, Rhode Island, and Devon Shuster, 28, of Gainesville, Florida, were also named in the charges.
At least ten of the defendants appeared in Essex County court Thursday afternoon, with prosecutors noting many resided together. Raimo, Schnorbusch, Shuster, zito, and Speziale were released pending further court appearances, as were Cetta, Joseph R. Perna, and Dominic Perna.
Dominic Perna’s attorney, Thomas cataldo, stated his client maintains his innocence. Cetta’s attorney, Marco Laracca, declined to comment. Attorneys for the remaining defendants have not yet responded to requests for comment.
The charges represent a significant crackdown on illegal gambling activity in New Jersey, a state that legalized sports betting in 2018 following a Supreme Court decision overturning a federal ban. While legal sports wagering has generated substantial revenue for the state, authorities continue to combat illicit operations that circumvent regulations and potentially fund criminal enterprises.
