8 Plead Guilty to Illegal Gambling, Money Laundering, Tied To Mafia

TRENTON — Attorney General Jennifer Davenport, the Division of Criminal Justice (DCJ), and the New Jersey State Police (NJSP) announced that eight people today admitted their roles in a racketeering, gambling, and money laundering operation. Between October 2025 and June 2026, 27 other people have previously pleaded guilty with respect to their conduct in the gambling enterprise.

The defendants were among 42 people who have been indicted since the initial arrests in April 2025 following a two-year investigation into illegal gambling, loansharking, extortion, and money laundering tied to the Lucchese crime family.

“The guilty pleas we accepted today represent another important step in dismantling this criminal enterprise and holding the individuals involved accountable,” said Attorney General Davenport. “Organized crime has no place in New Jersey. For decades, the Attorney General’s Office has been a leader in rooting out organized crime in New Jersey, and we continue to play that important role to keep New Jersey safe.”

“We remain dedicated to pursuing justice and protecting the public by disrupting criminal enterprises wherever they operate,” said DCJ Director Theresa L. Hilton. “The pleas in this case mark significant progress, but our work will continue as the remaining cases move through the judicial process.”

“By pleading guilty, the defendants have formally accepted responsibility for participating in a criminal enterprise that caused significant harm to individuals and communities,” said Jeanne Hengemuhle, Acting Superintendent of the New Jersey State Police. “Illegal gambling operations exploit vulnerable people, money laundering fuels further criminal activity, and racketeering networks undermine the safety and stability of our neighborhoods. This outcome is a direct result of the exceptional work of State Police detectives, whose ability to trace the financial trails, uncover the enterprise’s structure, and follow the evidence wherever it led built a comprehensive and compelling case. Their work not only brought those responsible to justice but also reinforces our ongoing commitment to protecting the public and safeguarding the integrity of our communities.”

The defendants pleaded guilty before Superior Court Judge Ralph E. Amirata in Morris County to their respective roles in operating illegal poker games and an online sportsbook in association with the Lucchese crime family.

According to documents filed in this case and statements made in court, the gambling operations include social clubs that housed live poker games and gambling machines, as well as an extensive online sportsbook operated through several websites based outside of the United States. Each poker club was operated by high-level managers who delegated day-to-day operations to managers who were present during poker games. Managers collected monetary dues called “rent” from poker hosts for permitting the games to occur and oversaw employees who worked in the clubs. Poker hosts were responsible for recruiting their own players, supplying food and drink for the games, and financially staking the game. The host, also known as the “house,” made a profit off the games because the dealer took a percentage of the monies bet by the players as a profit for the house for each hand played (also known as a “rake”). The dealers were paid by the hosts or were working off a prior gambling debt owed to the hosts of the game. The clubs also housed gambling machines that players could use while waiting for a seat at a live poker game.

The online sportsbook was operated by “agents” — who, before the advent of computerized betting, would have been known as “bookies” – who created accounts on sports gambling websites based in foreign countries. These agents managed “packages” – groups of individual bettors. Sub-agents and agents were responsible for the gambling winnings and losses of bettors in their packages and kicked up a portion of the criminal proceeds to the high-level management of the enterprise. The high-level management made operational decisions, settled disputes, and used threats to collect overdue debts. The enterprise also used websites to facilitate illegal online sports betting. The websites, through the individuals that own, operate, and control them, are one part of this criminal enterprise controlling illegal gambling activities in northern New Jersey and other areas. 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.

The leadership of the New Jersey-based faction of the Lucchese family allegedly oversaw the gambling activities and received a portion of the criminal proceeds. The investigation resulted in the identification of $4.79 million in suspected criminal proceeds. Members of the criminal enterprise used multiple shell corporations and legitimate businesses to conceal their illegal gambling proceeds.

George Zappola, Joseph R. Perna, and John G. Perna are high-level managers of the criminal enterprise and allegedly members of the Lucchese Crime Family. All three pleaded guilty to second-degree racketeering in exchange for recommended sentences of seven years in state prison.

The guilty pleas today included the following:

Wayne D. Cross, a Lucchese associate, pleaded guilty to third-degree promoting gambling in exchange for a recommended sentence of five years in state prison.
Michael P. Frasso, 48, of Cedar Grove, New Jersey was a sportsbook agent and pleaded guilty to second-degree racketeering (seven years recommended), third-degree failure to pay income tax (three years recommended), and third-degree corporate misconduct (five years recommended), for an aggregate recommendation of 15 years.
Frank Imparato, 46, of Saddle Brook, New Jersey was a poker club manager and pleaded guilty to third-degree conspiracy (four years recommended).
Joseph Gossweiler, 41, of Florham Park, New Jersey was a sportsbook sub-agent/poker club manager and pleaded guilty to third-degree conspiracy to promote gambling in the third degree (364 days probation recommended)
Peter Norcia, 50, of Toms River, New Jersey, was an agent on the sportsbook and pleaded guilty to third-degree conspiracy to promote gambling (four years recommended).
Café Gio was a corporation used by Frank Imparato to facilitate illegal gambling and pleaded guilty to second-degree conspiracy (penalty of $250,000).
Frasso Trucking was a corporation used by Michael and Gerard Frasso to conceal gambling proceeds and pleaded guilty to second-degree conspiracy for anti-money laundering profiteering (penalty of $250,000).
CJW Development and Consulting was a corporation used by Wayne Cross to conceal gambling proceeds and pleaded guilty to second-degree conspiracy for anti-money laundering profiteering (penalty of $250,000).

Charges are still pending against seven remaining defendants, and they are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.

Deputy Attorney General Heather Hausleben is prosecuting the case for DCJ. The case was investigated by Detective Sergeant Michael Gallant of the New Jersey State Police. Attorney General Davenport thanked the FBI New Jersey – Newark and Red Bank, FBI New York City, U.S. Marshals, Federal Probation, and the Department of Corrections Special Operations Group for their valuable contributions to the investigation.

NJ Councilman, Past Mafia Member, Arrested for Crimes

TRENTON (CNBNews)(June 24, 2026) — Attorney General Jennifer Davenport announced that two men were arrested for various crimes including terroristic threats, extortion, usury, and conspiracy.

John Alite, 63, of Englishtown, New Jersey, was arrested on June 19, 2026, and charged with multiple counts of theft by extortion (second degree), corporate misconduct (second degree), usury (second degree), and terroristic threats. It is alleged that Alite made loans in excess of the maximum rate permitted by law and subsequently obtained the property and monies of victims by threatening to commit violent acts. He is also alleged to have misused his corporation, Straightened-Out Entertainment, Inc., to promote his criminal scheme. Alite is a councilman in Englishtown.

JOHN ALITE/FACEBOOK

Stephen Locrotondo, 67, of Bridgewater, New Jersey, was also arrested today and charged with usury and conspiracy, for allegedly agreeing to receive interest on loans in excess of the maximum rate permitted by law in coordination with Alite.

“These arrests are the result of rigorous investigative work and the strong cooperation between the Division of Criminal Justice and New Jersey State Police, who work tirelessly every day in the pursuit of justice,” said Attorney General Davenport. “Our office is dedicated to ensuring that all businesses conduct themselves fairly and lawfully. The conduct alleged in this case was anything but, and we will work to hold those who cheat and steal accountable.”

“Our commitment to holding offenders accountable and delivering justice for victims does not end with an arrest,” said DCJ Director Theresa L. Hilton. “We remain steadfast in our mission to secure justice for every victim to ensure their voices are heard.”

“The charges in this case, which include theft by extortion, terroristic threats, usury, conspiracy, and corporate misconduct, represent serious allegations involving the use of intimidation, coercion, and unlawful financial practices for personal gain. These offenses strike at the fundamental principles of fairness, accountability, and public trust,” said Jeanne Hengemuhle, Acting Superintendent of the New Jersey State Police.

“Today’s arrests reflect the diligent work of detectives committed to uncovering complex criminal activity and pursuing justice on behalf of those impacted. Individuals who seek to enrich themselves through intimidation, exploitation, or abuse of power should expect to be held accountable for their actions.”

Deputy Attorney General Heather Hausleben of the Division of Criminal Justice is prosecuting the case. The case is being investigated by the New Jersey State Police Official Corruption North Unit.

All individuals are presumed innocent until proven guilty.

Alite was previously known as a member of the Gambino crime family and John Gotti Jr.’s best friend, according to a report from NJ.com.

He was appointed to the Borough Council in the spring of 2025 after four members suddenly resigned, NJ.com reported.

In an email sent to Patch, Englishtown Mayor Daniel Francisco said that, based on the currently available information, the recent allegations against Alite are not related to the operations within the borough.

“Every American is entitled to due process, including John,” Francisco said. “I will not rush to judgment before the facts are known, and he is entitled to a presumption of innocence while the judicial process unfolds.”

“There are often opportunists ready to pounce on calamity; I implore those following along to remain human — there are always innocent bystanders on all sides, like family, impacted by the urge for commotion,” he continued.

“Based on currently available information, these allegations are not related to the operations within our borough, and indeed will be resolved outside of it.”

In the meantime, Francisco said the borough remains focused on “serving our residents, advancing downtown development, and delivering two great community events this summer.”

When asked if Alite currently retains his position on the Borough Council, Francisco said the decision to continue in his position mainly rests on Alite.

“John is an elected official chosen by the voters last year. The decision to continue in the position rests solely on him,” he said. “The borough and the council have no legal authority over his seat.”

Lakewood Police Releases Info on New Laws for Bike AND E-Bikes

LAKEWOOD, NJ (June 7, 2026)–The Lakewood Police Department reminds residents to stay informed about New Jersey’s updated bicycle and e-bike laws.

New requirements for e-bike riders include licensing, registration, insurance requirements, age restrictions, and mandatory helmet use. These changes are designed to improve safety for riders and everyone sharing our roadways.

Motorists are also reminded that New Jersey’s Safe Passing Law requires drivers to move over when possible and provide at least 4 feet of clearance when passing bicyclists and other vulnerable road users. If 4 feet cannot be provided, drivers must slow down and be prepared to stop until it is safe to pass. Continue reading “Lakewood Police Releases Info on New Laws for Bike AND E-Bikes” →

Two Suspects Rob ACE Hardware Store

CLARK TOWNSHIP NJ (June 3, 2026)(CNBNews)–Two suspects are being sought for allegedly shoplifting items from an Ace Hardware store, 26 Westfield Avenue, in Clark Township on May 28. Supposedly, the suspects fled toward Rahway in a black Jeep SUV minutes before a Clark Township Police Officer arrived at the scene.

NYPD Mounted Unit Officer Captures Purse Thief (video)

William E. Cleary Sr.

A New York Police Department Mounted Unit Officer handcuffs a suspected purse thief following a full gallop chase down a Manhattan Street in broad daylight. Photo courtesy of NBC New York

NEW YORK CITY (CNBNews)(April 21, 2026)— A dramatic scene played out on the Upper West Side on April 15 when an NYPD Mounted Unit officer, patrolling the neighborhood on horseback, chased down a robbery suspect in broad daylight.

According to police, the officer was riding Kelly, a retired racehorse now serving with the Mounted Unit, when a woman allegedly snatched a purse near West 72nd Street and Columbus Avenue. NYPD body‑camera footage shows the officer urging Kelly into a full gallop as they pursued the fleeing suspect through the busy Manhattan corridor.

The NYPD later commented on the unusual takedown, saying, “Whether on foot or on hooves, our officers are always ready.”

With help from a witness who pointed out the direction of travel, the officer closed in, recovered the stolen purse, and took the alleged purse thief into custody.

According to the Toms River Patch, Kelly was rescued by the Standardbred Retirement Foundation from a “kill pen” in 2020, the foundation’s Executive Director, Judy Bokman, told Patch.
The Eyewitness News ABC7NY video below captures the chase and arrest as it unfolded.

NYPD NEWS

Online Child Investigation Nabs Old Bridge Suspect; Vigilantes Interfere

OLD BRIDGE, NJ (CNBNews)( (April 16, 2026)–-Middlesex County Prosecutor Linda Estremera, Chief Thomas J. Montagna of the Old Bridge Police Department, and Chief Daniel Plumacker of the Sayreville Police Department announced today that Kevin Coposky, 39, of Old Bridge, has been arrested as a result of an online child exploitation investigation conducted by the Middlesex County Prosecutor’s Office.

Old Bridge Police Department received a tip from a concerned citizen regarding Coposky attempting to meet children online for the purpose of engaging in sexual activity. An investigation was conducted by Detective Ryan Hall of the Old Bridge Police Department, Detective Christopher Raub of the Sayreville Police Department and Detective Ken McGarry of the Internet Crimes Against Children Unit at the Middlesex County Prosecutor’s Office. As a result of that investigation Coposky was charged.

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Demolition of Historic Bennett House Creates Crisis for Old Bridge’s HPC

Last year, Richard Pucciarelli, a member of Old Bridge’s Historic Preservation Commission, woke up to the devastating news that a 19th-century home in town had been suddenly demolished.
But the fallout has turned into a much larger issue that has left him questioning the commission’s entire existence.
Pucciarelli believes that the circa 1890 Bennett House was a locally designated landmark and should have come to his commission for approval. In fact in 2024, the developer — Vision Old Bridge, LLC — did appear before his commission to discuss plans to build a three-story apartment building on the site.
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CNBNews Editor Recalls the Newark Uprising

William E. Cleary Sr. | Cleary’s Notebook News

EDITOR’S NOTE: On August 30, Typepad, the host of our blog for the past 20 years, announced that they were shutting down its business on September 30. We had 70,000 articles posted on its site; they gave us four weeks to move the articles to a new host, or they would be lost forever. We will be republishing many of the old articles in the weeks and months ahead. The Newark article first appeared on August 1, 2024.

NEWARK, NJ (August 1, 2024)(CNBNews)–Although the Newark riot in 1967 happened 57 years ago, the memory of that time is still fresh in my mind. The 50th memorial anniversary of the Newark riots was remembered on July 12, 2017. Some of us who were there called it “The Battle of Newark.” The five-day conflict broke out on July 12, 1967. Soldiers from South Jersey who belonged to the 50th Armored Division,1st Battalion, 114th Infantry Regiment, also known as the “Jersey Blues,” were called early in the morning on that day to report to their respective armories either in Woodbury or Pitman. The same call was being sent to Guardsmen stationed at other armories in New Jersey.

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NJBIA Coronavirus Survey Finds Most Businesses in Need of Assistance

A survey conducted by the New Jersey Business & Industry Association finds that 93% of members who responded either are already negatively impacted by the coronavirus health crisis or anticipate being negatively impacted in the near future.

At the same time, most respondents say they will need to cut costs due to coronavirus-related hardships, including a reduction of staff, hours, benefits and other remedies.

Members also described in detail their most critical issues, showing a vast number of impacts from businesses from varying industries.

\”The concerns of our members are extremely clear during this unprecedented time,\” said NJBIA President and CEO Michele Siekerka. \”They are highly concerned about the overall stability of their businesses and the welfare of their employees.

\”We are pleased to see the efforts of our policymakers and our state agencies, thus far, to address the economic impacts the coronavirus is having on our job creators and their workers. As these plans and protections are gathered and expedited, it is critically important to recognize how the uncertainty and vulnerability of our employers impacts our overall economy in New Jersey.\”

Survey results

When asked to what extent has your business been negatively impacted by the coronavirus:

54% said they have already been negatively impacted

39% said they anticipate being negatively impacted in the near future

7% said they do not anticipate being negatively impacted

When asked how they will respond to the negative business impacts caused by the coronavirus (respondents could select any or all options that applied):

40% said they will need to reduce staff

37% said they will need to reduce employee hours

12% said they will need to reduce benefits

24% said they will do nothing

Another 37% listed \”other\” additional remedies to accommodate the impacts including: needing to temporarily close; relying on personal savings and credit to pay bills; negotiating with vendors, landlords and utility companies; adjusting service levels; reducing expenses; increasing spending on cleaning and disinfecting; increasing remote working.

In separate questions, a majority of respondents said they were unsure, at this juncture, whether they would need gap loans or waivers of workplace compliance requirements due to the fiscal impacts brought on by the response to the coronavirus.

Most critical issues

NJBIA also asked members to explain what the most critical issues to their business are as the association works with policymakers and state agencies on responses to address the economic impacts of the coronavirus.

A few notable entries from the hundreds of responses included:

\”Trying to keep up with payroll, taxes, health ins., vehicle ins., fuel, worker\’s comp ins., vehicle payments, vehicle registrations, and all State associated fees with licenses and registrations. If we can\’t access the customer\’s property and/or an employee gets the illness, this will put us out of business.\”

\”Besides health of employees, worry about supply chain interruptions. If say UPS goes down, how will I deliver products? What if my suppliers are closed?\”

\”Unable to provide home based services as usual.\”

\”Business customers and my employees being able to work if kids are home from school.\”

\”Personal protective equipment for my team of healthcare workers. We can\’t get level 3 masks right now.\”

\”Cash flow if sales decline.\”

\”The phone has stopped ringing, people are not spending money.\”

\”Access to short-term financing.\”

\”As a supplier of printed material for many local NJ businesses, we are expecting a significant loss of revenue due to cancellations of events, trade shows, etc.\”

These survey results were fielded from 336 respondents from March 13-15. NJBIA will keep the survey open to its members to acquire additional input.

\”We want to ensure that we are relaying these impacts in real time and working with our members and all levels of state government to bring the assistance needed to secure New Jersey\’s workforce and economy,\” Siekerka said. \”We also continue to update our comprehensive resource page at

www.njbia.org/coronavirus

.\”

New Brunswick Police Halt Gun Permits! But Reverse Decision After Visit from NJ2AS

SOURCE

New Jersey Second Amendment Society

New Brunswick, NJ

–The city of New Brunswick, NJ, halted the ability for residents to apply for a firearm permit claiming the fingerprinting company was closed. We stopped by the police department to investigate and quickly discovered the lies.

CRIME

HUNTING AND FISHING