By: Tracie Carter
Eight individuals have admitted their involvement in an alleged racketeering, illegal gambling, and money laundering enterprise tied to the Lucchese crime family, according to New Jersey authorities.
The guilty pleas were entered before Superior Court Judge Ralph E. Amirata in Morris County and mark the latest development in a sweeping investigation that has resulted in charges against 42 individuals since April 2025.
Authorities said the case stems from a two-year investigation into an organized criminal enterprise that allegedly operated illegal poker clubs, online sports betting operations, loansharking activities, extortion schemes, and money laundering networks throughout northern New Jersey.
Prosecutors said the gambling operation included social clubs where live poker games were conducted and gambling machines were available for patrons. Investigators alleged that high-level managers oversaw the operations while club managers handled daily activities, collected fees, supervised employees, and coordinated poker hosts who recruited players and financed games.
The investigation also uncovered an extensive online sportsbook operation that allegedly used betting websites hosted outside the United States.
According to court records, agents and sub-agents managed groups of bettors and distributed portions of the proceeds to higher-ranking members of the organization.
Authorities further alleged that members of the enterprise used shell corporations and legitimate businesses to conceal gambling profits and launder proceeds generated through the operation.
Investigators identified approximately $4.79 million in suspected criminal proceeds connected to the enterprise.
Among those who pleaded guilty were George Zappola, Joseph R. Perna, and John G. Perna, who prosecutors identified as high-level managers within the organization.
Each pleaded guilty to second-degree racketeering and faces a recommended sentence of seven years in state prison.
Additional guilty pleas included Wayne D. Cross, who admitted to promoting gambling; Michael P. Frasso of Cedar Grove, who pleaded guilty to racketeering, tax-related offenses, and corporate misconduct; Frank Imparato of Saddle Brook, who admitted his role as a poker club manager; Joseph Gossweiler of Florham Park, who pleaded guilty to conspiracy-related charges connected to gambling operations; and Peter Norcia of Toms River, who admitted participating as an agent in the sportsbook operation.
Three corporations also entered guilty pleas after authorities alleged they were used to facilitate illegal gambling activities or conceal criminal proceeds. Café Gio, Frasso Trucking, and CJW Development and Consulting each agreed to financial penalties as part of their resolutions.
Officials noted that between October 2025 and June 2026, 27 other defendants previously entered guilty pleas related to the same criminal enterprise.
The remaining cases connected to the investigation continue to move through the court system.