MORRISTOWN, New Jersey – A former star of “The Real Housewives of New Jersey,” Dina Manzo, found herself entangled in a sinister plot orchestrated by her ex-husband, Thomas Manzo. Federal prosecutors revealed on Tuesday that Thomas Manzo was convicted of planning a “vicious” attack on Dina’s new husband at the time.
The scheme unfolded when Thomas Manzo allegedly hired a mob soldier from the Lucchese Crime Family to carry out the assault in 2015. The motive behind the attack was tied to a free wedding reception offered by a business owned by Manzo, serving as payment for the violent act.
In a statement from the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of New Jersey, it was disclosed that Thomas Manzo faced charges of committing a violent crime in aid of racketeering activity, conspiracy to commit a violent crime resulting in serious bodily injury, and falsifying documents related to a federal investigation. Despite the accusations, the defense attorney for Manzo did not provide immediate comments following the conviction.
U.S. Attorney Philip R. Sellinger condemned the deplorable act, emphasizing the severe injuries inflicted on Dina Manzo’s then-boyfriend as a result of the orchestrated assault. John Perna, the alleged mob soldier who carried out the attack, pleaded guilty in December of the same year and was sentenced to 2 1/2 years in prison in 2021.
The assault took place outside a Passaic County strip mall on July 18, 2015, where Perna and an accomplice targeted Dina’s boyfriend. The attack involved the use of a “slapjack” weapon, with the intent to leave the victim with permanent facial scars. As a gesture of gratitude, Manzo allegedly hosted a wedding reception for Perna at his restaurant.
Manzo now faces a possible maximum sentence of 20 years for two of the counts he was convicted on, with an additional three years for the conspiracy charge. The sentencing for Thomas Manzo is scheduled for October 15, shedding light on the consequences of his involvement in the violent crime.
Dina Manzo, known for her appearances in multiple seasons of “The Real Housewives of New Jersey,” became unwillingly entangled in the criminal machinations orchestrated by her ex-husband. The sensational case serves as a stark reminder of the dangers lurking beneath seemingly glamorous surfaces.