Senior Alleged Lucchese Figures Plead Guilty in New Jersey Gambling Ring

• George Zappola, Joseph “Big Joe” Perna and John Perna admitted racketeering charges tied to an alleged Lucchese-run gambling enterprise.
• Prosecutors said the organization operated poker clubs, offshore sportsbooks and laundered nearly $4.8 million through legitimate New Jersey businesses.
• Zappola, a reputed Lucchese ruling panel member, and the Pernas each face recommended seven-year prison terms under their plea agreement

Reputed Lucchese mob powerhouse George “Georgie Neck” Zappola and seven co-defendants pleaded guilty in New Jersey today (June 25), admitting they operated a massive, illicit sports betting and poker ring that laundered millions in criminal proceeds.

The men were among 42 individuals arrested in April 2025 following a two-year investigation into the operation, 35 of whom have now entered guilty pleas.

New Jersey prosecutors alleged in April 2025 that Zappola was a member of the family’s ruling panel, a small group that helps oversee the organization’s operations.

Also pleading guilty were Joseph “Big Joe” Perna, an alleged Lucchese capo, and his cousin, reputed Lucchese soldier John Perna.

‘High-Level Managers’

The trio were described by prosecutors as “high-level managers” in the gambling enterprise, representing the family’s New Jersey faction, which received a share of the criminal proceeds.

Beneath them were a network of poker club managers and hosts who recruited players, supplied food and drinks, and bankrolled games.

Prosecutors alleged the enterprise laundered gambling proceeds through three New Jersey businesses: Frasso Trucking Inc., Café Gio Inc., and CJW Development & Consulting LLC.

According to the indictment, these companies helped conceal nearly $4.8 million in alleged criminal revenue by mixing it with legitimate business income and moving funds through corporate accounts.

Murder Convictions

Zappola has a long history of organized crime convictions dating back decades. A close ally of former Lucchese underboss Anthony “Gaspipe” Casso, he pleaded guilty in 1996 to multiple murders, including the 1990 killing of labor official James Bishop, and was sentenced to 22 years in federal prison. He was released in 2014

John Perna previously served prison terms for his role in Operation Heat, a multibillion-dollar illegal gambling enterprise, and for carrying out the 2015 assault on the husband of former Real Housewives of New Jersey star Dina Manzo in exchange for a discounted wedding reception.

Under their plea agreements, Zappola and the Pernas each face a recommended sentence of seven years in state prison. A date for sentencing is yet to be scheduled.