NEWARK, NJ – Thomas Manzo, the ex-husband of a “Real Housewives of New Jersey” cast member, was sentenced Tuesday to seven years in prison after convicted of hiring a man to assault his ex-wife’s boyfriend.
Manzo, 59, was convicted of committing a violent crime in aid of racketeering, conspiracy and falsifying documents. He could have received a prison sentence of up to 46 years.
Prosecutors said Manzo in 2015 hired John Perna, who they said was a soldier in the Lucchese crime family, to attack the man in exchange for a free wedding reception at Manzo’s catering hall. The attack took place that summer and the wedding reception took place a month later.
“Whether you are actually in the mafia or not, hiring the mafia to attack someone because of your marital problems is abhorrent. Covering up the role you played only makes things worse. The jury’s verdict and today’s sentence make it clear that this office will spare no resources in holding accountable anyone who commits such crimes,” said U.S. Attorney Philip Sellinger.
Perna previously pleaded guilty to committing a violent crime in aid of extortion and was sentenced to 2.5 years in prison. He was released in August.
Dina Manzo, who appeared on the show, has since married the man who was attacked.
