8 Lucchese crime family members admit to racketeering charges
The New Jersey attorney general says 27 others have already pleaded guilty in the gambling scheme.
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Eight people and three businesses admitted their roles in a racketeering, money laundering and gambling operation tied to the Lucchese crime family.
The individuals pleaded guilty Tuesday, according to New Jersey Attorney General Jennifer Davenport. The defendants were among 42 people indicted following a two-year investigation that led to arrests in April 2025. The probe included allegations of illegal gambling, loansharking, extortion and money laundering connected to the Lucchese crime family.
“The leadership of the New Jersey-based faction of the Lucchese family allegedly oversaw the gambling activities and received a portion of the criminal proceeds,” Davenport said in a statement. “The investigation identified $4.79 million in suspected criminal proceeds. Members of the enterprise used multiple shell corporations and legitimate businesses to conceal illegal gambling profits.”
According to the attorney general, the operation included social clubs hosting live poker games, gambling machines and an online sportsbook run through various websites.
Davenport said three alleged members of the Lucchese crime family — George Zappola, Joseph R. Perna and John G. Perna — oversaw the gambling activities and received a portion of the proceeds. All three pleaded guilty to second-degree racketeering in exchange for recommended seven-year sentences in New Jersey state prison.
In addition to the individuals, three businesses — Cafe Gio, Frasso Trucking, and CJW Development and Consulting — admitted their roles in the operation, pleading guilty to various charges.
Charges remain pending against seven other defendants involved in the operation.
