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‘Real Housewives of New Jersey’ Star’s Ex-Husband Hired Mobster To Assault Her Then-Boyfriend, Prosecutors Say
Thomas Manzo and John Perna, who is allegedly a "made man" in the Lucchese Crime Family, face up to 20 years in prison.
Former "Real Housewives of New Jersey" star Dina Manzo's ex-husband hired a "made man" in an infamous mob family to assault her boyfriend in exchange for a discount on a wedding party, federal prosecutors allege.
Thomas Manzo, 55, and John Perna, 43, are charged with organizing an assault on Dina's current husband, David Cantin, in July 2015, New Jersey's U.S. Attorney Craig Carpenito announced in a Tuesday press release.
"In the spring of 2015, Manzo, one of the owners of the Brownstone Restaurant in Paterson, New Jersey, allegedly hired Perna to assault his ex-wife’s then-boyfriend in exchange for a deeply discounted wedding reception for Perna held at the upscale venue," the release said.
Prosecutors state in court documents that Perna is a "made man" in the Lucchese Crime Family — one of the Five Families that loom large over organized crime activity in the greater New York City area.
A "made man" is a member of the Mafia that enjoys the protection and support of their respective family's establishment. Once a member becomes a "made man," they can rise through the hierarchy to a leadership position.
"In exchange for committing the assault, Perna held a lavish wedding reception at Manzo’s restaurant for a fraction of the price, which was paid by another Lucchese associate and close friend of Manzo’s. The wedding and reception, held in August 2015, were attended by approximately 330 people, and included many members of the Lucchese Crime Family," the press release stated.
Both Thomas and Perna face up to 20 years in prison on the most serious of the charges against them. They face multiple charges including counts of committing a violent crime in aid of racketeering activity and conspiracy to commit a violent crime in aid of racketeering activity, according to New York's ABC7.
Thomas and Dina Manzo separated in 2012 and officially divorced in 2016, according to NJ.com. Dina married Cantin a year later.
Dina Manzo appeared on four seasons of "The Real Housewives of New Jersey" before officially departing in 2015 to relocate to California, according to Fox News.
Both men are scheduled to appear in court on Tuesday. It wasn't immediately clear if they had lawyers available to comment.
