Ex-Husband of 'Real Housewives of New Jersey' Star Convicted of Racketeering-Related Crimes

Thomas Manzo found guilty of orchestrating violent assault and obstructing justice in federal investigation

NEWARK, N.J. — Thomas Manzo, the ex-husband of a star from Bravo's "The Real Housewives of New Jersey," was convicted today of planning an assault on his ex-wife’s current husband in exchange for a lavish wedding reception, U.S. Attorney Philip R. Sellinger announced. The 59-year-old Franklin Lakes resident was found guilty after a two-and-a-half-week trial before U.S. District Judge Susan D. Wigenton in Newark federal court.

Manzo faced multiple charges, including committing a violent crime in aid of racketeering activity, conspiracy to commit a violent crime in aid of racketeering resulting in serious bodily injury, and falsifying and concealing documents related to a federal investigation.

“Thomas Manzo hired a soldier in the Lucchese Crime Family to carry out a vicious assault on his ex-wife’s then-boyfriend, causing the victim to suffer significant injuries,” U.S. Attorney Philip R. Sellinger said. “As a unanimous jury found, Manzo committed multiple offenses by providing a free wedding in exchange for the assault and then concealing documents relating to that wedding. He will now face just punishment for his crimes.”

“Manzo now faces a lengthy federal prison sentence because he chose to hire a ‘made man’ to carry out an assault on his ex-wife’s boyfriend,” FBI – Newark Special Agent in Charge James E. Dennehy said. “He then gave away a free wedding and hid the documents to cover it up. The facts and circumstances in this case read like something from a bad TV crime drama, but the evidence and testimony presented in court prove it was reality. We truly hope the victims in this investigation are able to move on with their lives and forget about Manzo and his criminal mafia bedfellows.”

In the spring of 2015, Manzo hired John Perna, a soldier in the Lucchese Crime Family, to assault his ex-wife’s then-boyfriend in exchange for a free wedding reception at an upscale venue owned by Manzo. Perna, a "made man" with his own crew, organized and executed the violent assault on July 18, 2015. As payment, Perna received a lavish wedding reception at Manzo's venue. During the investigation, Manzo obstructed justice by falsifying and concealing documents related to the Perna wedding in response to a grand jury subpoena.

The violent crime in aid of racketeering activity charge carries a maximum potential penalty of 20 years in prison and a $250,000 fine. The conspiracy to commit a violent crime in aid of racketeering charge carries a maximum potential penalty of three years in prison, while the charge for falsifying and concealing records related to a federal investigation also carries a maximum potential penalty of 20 years in prison and a $250,000 fine. Manzo's sentencing is scheduled for October 15, 2024.

U.S. Attorney Sellinger credited special agents of the FBI, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge James E. Dennehy in Newark, for leading the investigation. He also acknowledged the contributions of special agents from the U.S. Department of Labor, Office of the Inspector General, officers from the Lyndhurst and Totowa Police Departments, investigators from the Monmouth County Prosecutor's Office, New Jersey State Police, and the Passaic County Prosecutor's Office.

The prosecution team included Assistant U.S. Attorneys Kendall Randolph of the Organized Crime and Gangs Unit and Thomas S. Kearney of the Special Prosecutions Division in Newark.