TRENTON, N.J. — Eight people and three companies have admitted their roles in a racketeering, gambling and money laundering operation tied to the Lucchese crime family, authorities said.
Attorney General Jennifer Davenport, the Division of Criminal Justice and New Jersey State Police announced the guilty pleas, which were entered before Superior Court Judge Ralph E. Amirata in Morris County.
The defendants were among 42 people indicted since April 2025 following a two-year investigation into illegal gambling, loansharking, extortion and money laundering. Between October 2025 and June 2026, 27 other people previously pleaded guilty in connection with the gambling enterprise, authorities said.
“The guilty pleas we accepted today represent another important step in dismantling this criminal enterprise and holding the individuals involved accountable,” said Attorney General Davenport. “Organized crime has no place in New Jersey. For decades, the Attorney General’s Office has been a leader in rooting out organized crime in New Jersey, and we continue to play that important role to keep New Jersey safe.”
Authorities said the defendants admitted roles in operating illegal poker games and an online sportsbook in association with the Lucchese crime family.
According to court documents and statements made in court, the gambling operation included social clubs that hosted live poker games and gambling machines, as well as an online sportsbook operated through websites based outside the United States.
Authorities said poker club managers collected payments from hosts, oversaw employees and managed day-to-day operations. The online sportsbook used agents and sub-agents who managed groups of bettors and passed a portion of the proceeds to higher-level managers.
“We remain dedicated to pursuing justice and protecting the public by disrupting criminal enterprises wherever they operate,” said DCJ Director Theresa L. Hilton. “The pleas in this case mark significant progress, but our work will continue as the remaining cases move through the judicial process.”
Investigators identified $4.79 million in suspected criminal proceeds, authorities said. Members of the enterprise used shell corporations and legitimate businesses to conceal illegal gambling proceeds.
George Zappola, Joseph R. Perna and John G. Perna, described by authorities as high-level managers of the enterprise and alleged members of the Lucchese crime family, each pleaded guilty to second-degree racketeering in exchange for recommended seven-year state prison sentences.
Others entering guilty pleas included Wayne D. Cross, a Lucchese associate, who pleaded guilty to third-degree promoting gambling; Michael P. Frasso, 48, of Cedar Grove, who pleaded guilty to racketeering, failure to pay income tax and corporate misconduct; Frank Imparato, 46, of Saddle Brook, who pleaded guilty to conspiracy; Joseph Gossweiler, 41, of Florham Park Borough, who pleaded guilty to conspiracy to promote gambling; and Peter Norcia, 50, of Toms River, who pleaded guilty to conspiracy to promote gambling.
Three companies also pleaded guilty. Café Gio pleaded guilty to second-degree conspiracy, while Frasso Trucking and CJW Development and Consulting each pleaded guilty to second-degree conspiracy for anti-money laundering profiteering. Each company faces a recommended $250,000 penalty.
“By pleading guilty, the defendants have formally accepted responsibility for participating in a criminal enterprise that caused significant harm to individuals and communities,” said Jeanne Hengemuhle, Acting Superintendent of the New Jersey State Police. “Illegal gambling operations exploit vulnerable people, money laundering fuels further criminal activity, and racketeering networks undermine the safety and stability of our neighborhoods. This outcome is a direct result of the exceptional work of State Police detectives, whose ability to trace the financial trails, uncover the enterprise’s structure, and follow the evidence wherever it led built a comprehensive and compelling case. Their work not only brought those responsible to justice but also reinforces our ongoing commitment to protecting the public and safeguarding the integrity of our communities.”
Charges remain pending against seven defendants, who are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in court.
