NEWARK, New Jersey – The former spouse of a cast member from the popular reality show “Real Housewives of New Jersey” has been found guilty of orchestrating a violent attack on the woman’s boyfriend in exchange for a complimentary extravagant wedding celebration. Thomas Manzo of Franklin Lakes was convicted on multiple charges, including conspiracy and document falsification, following a trial where federal prosecutors laid out a scheme involving a reputed mobster.
During the trial, it was revealed that Thomas Manzo, 59, had enlisted the help of John Perna, identified as a member of the Lucchese Crime Family, to carry out the assault on the boyfriend in July 2015. Perna, who subsequently pled guilty to his involvement in the incident, was rewarded with a lavish wedding reception at a Paterson restaurant co-owned by Manzo the following month. The prosecution highlighted the violent nature of the crime committed in furtherance of criminal activities.
As per federal prosecutors, Thomas Manzo could face a maximum sentence of up to 46 years in prison upon his sentencing scheduled for October 15. In contrast, Perna received a 2 1/2-year sentence after pleading guilty to his role in the assault and was released from custody in August of the following year. Notably, the boyfriend targeted in the attack is now the husband of the “Real Housewives” cast member, Dina Manzo.
The conviction of Thomas Manzo serves as a verdict on a sordid tale of violence, conspiracy, and organized crime intersecting with the glamorized world of reality television. The case highlights the lengths to which individuals may go for personal gain, even at the expense of others’ safety and well-being. The involvement of a reputed mobster sheds light on the connections between organized crime entities and seemingly unrelated individuals, emphasizing the pervasive reach of criminal networks in society.