Full Breakdown
New Jersey Guilty Pleas Expose Lucchese Crime Family’s Gambling and Money-Laundering Network
6/26/2026, 9:00:54 PM
Guilty Pleas in Lucchese Gambling Case
On June 23 2026, New Jersey Attorney General Jennifer Davenport announced that eight individuals and three corporations pleaded guilty to crimes tied to a gambling and money-laundering operation run by the New Jersey faction of the Lucchese crime family. Frasso Trucking, owned by Michael and Gerard Frasso, admitted second-degree conspiracy for anti-money-laundering profiteering and accepted a $250,000 penalty. Other pleas included second-degree racketeering by George Zappola, Joseph R. Perna and John G. Perna; third-degree promoting gambling by Wayne D. Cross; and third-degree conspiracy by Frank Imparato and Michael P. Frasso.
Investigation Background and Scope
The probe began in early 2025 and targeted illegal gambling, loansharking, extortion and money-laundering linked to the Lucchese family. Authorities uncovered a hybrid network of North-Jersey poker clubs, gambling machines and an offshore online sportsbook. Shell corporations and legitimate firms—including trucking and consulting companies—were used to hide $4.79 million in proceeds.
Key Figures and Corporate Entities
Primary individuals include Michael and Gerard Frasso, George Zappola, Joseph R. Perna, John G. Perna, Wayne D. Cross, Frank Imparato, Joseph Gossweiler, Pete Norcia and councilman Anand Shah. The criminal organization is the New Jersey faction of the Lucchese family. Companies that pleaded guilty are Frasso Trucking, Café Gio and CJW Development & Consulting, each fined $250,000, plus three additional corporations.
Timeline of the Investigation and Pleas
April 2025 – Initial arrests and indictment of 42 suspects.
June 23 2026 – Announcement of eight guilty pleas and three corporate penalties.
Ongoing – Court proceedings for seven defendants who have not yet entered pleas.
Official Statements & Responses
Attorney General Davenport said the pleas “represent another important step in dismantling this criminal enterprise and holding the individuals involved accountable,” and added that “organized crime has no place in New Jersey.” Prosecutors noted that the online sportsbooks let traditional organized-crime methods operate through modern technology.
Verbatim Quotes
- “The guilty pleas we accepted (Tuesday) represent another important step in dismantling this criminal enterprise and holding the individuals involved accountable,” — Jennifer Davenport, New Jersey Attorney General
- “Organized crime has no place in New Jersey.” — Jennifer Davenport, New Jersey Attorney General
- “The websites allow traditional organized crime members and associates to use the internet and current technology to engage in the same criminal acts that traditional organized crime has engaged in since the 19th century,” — Prosecutor, New Jersey Attorney General’s Office
- “Romanticized versions of organized crime have been the subject of countless movies and television shows, often set right here in the Garden State,” — Matt Platkin, former New Jersey Attorney General
Pending Charges and Next Steps
Seven defendants remain charged but have not entered pleas. The investigation continues as those cases move through the courts, and sentencing hearings for the guilty pleas are slated for later in 2026.
