The former husband of “Real Housewives of New Jersey” star Dina Manzo was arrested Tuesday for allegedly recruiting a mobster to assault Manzo’s current husband in 2015, authorities said.
Thomas Manzo, 55, and John Perna, 43, were charged with allegedly committing a violent crime in aid of organized crime activities and conspiracy to commit a violent crime, according to an indictment issued by the United States Attorney’s Office. United States in New Jersey.
The documents allege that Manzo, a co-owner of a New Jersey restaurant and wedding venue, offered Perna, allegedly a member of one of New York City’s most notorious organized crime groups, the Lucchese crime family, a settlement: in exchange for a discount or a free wedding, Perna would leave his ex-wife’s boyfriend with a permanent facial scar, according to the documents.
On July 18, 2015, in a parking lot at the mall in Passaic County, New Jersey, Perna and an unidentified member of his crew allegedly assaulted the man, according to the documents. Perna allegedly used a slap jack during the beating.
Less than a month later, Perna was planning to hold her wedding at Manzo’s location, according to the documents.
Perna was also charged with conspiracy to commit mail fraud after he allegedly filed a false police report and an insurance claim totaling $ 17,816 on a 2006 Mercedes that he said had been stolen and destroyed.
An unidentified member of the Lucchese crime family told authorities that he had actually driven the Mercedes to Newark and set it on fire.
It was not immediately clear if Manzo or Perna have lawyers.
Diana Dasrath contributed
