Authorities: Ex-husband of 'Real housewives of NJ’ star, mob figure planned, carried out assault of star's current husband

The ex-husband of Dina Manzo, as well as an organized crime soldier, were arrested today, according to U.S. Attorney Craig Carpenito.

News 12 Staff

Jun 30, 2020, 3:53 PM

Updated 1,558 days ago

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The ex-husband of Dina Manzo, one of the stars of the Bravo television show "The Real Housewives of New Jersey," as well as an organized crime soldier, were arrested today on charges of planning and carrying out an assault of the star's current husband in exchange for a lavish wedding reception, according to U.S. Attorney Craig Carpenito.
According to Carpenito, Thomas Manzo, 55, of Franklin Lakes, and John Perna, 43, of Cedar Grove, are each charged by indictment with committing a violent crime in aid of racketeering activity and conspiracy to commit a violent crime in aid of racketeering activity.
The indictment also charges Perna, identified in the indictment as a soldier in the Lucchese Crime Family, with conspiracy to commit wire and mail fraud related to the submission of a false car insurance claim, and Manzo with falsifying and concealing records related to the federal investigation of the violent crime.
Both defendants made their initial appearances today.
According to the documents, in the spring of 2015, Manzo, one of the owners of the Brownstone Restaurant in Paterson, 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.
Perna, who is a "made man" in the crime family with his own crew, worked with his associates to plan and carry out the assault, which took place in July of 2015.
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 around 330 people, and included many members of the crime family.