Newark Reporter

The ex-husband of a former star from the reality television show "The Real Housewives of New Jersey" has been sentenced to seven years in prison. Thomas Manzo, 59, was convicted for hiring and assisting a member of the Lucchese Crime Family to assault his ex-wife's current husband. The sentencing was announced by U.S. Attorney Philip R. Sellinger.

Manzo, who resides in Franklin Lakes, New Jersey, faced conviction on June 4, 2024, after a trial lasting two and a half weeks before Judge Susan D. Wigenton in Newark federal court. The charges included committing a violent crime in aid of racketeering, conspiracy to commit such a crime, and falsifying documents related to a federal investigation.

U.S. Attorney Sellinger commented on the case stating: “Whether you’re actually in the Mafia or not, hiring the mob to assault someone because of your marital problems is abhorrent. Covering up the role you played only makes it worse. The jury’s verdict, and today’s sentence make clear that this office will spare no resources to hold accountable anyone who commits such crimes.”

Court documents revealed that in spring 2015, Manzo hired John Perna from the Lucchese Crime Family to attack his ex-wife's then-boyfriend. Payment for this act was made through a free wedding reception at The Brownstone catering hall owned by Manzo in Paterson, New Jersey. The assault took place on July 18, 2015, followed by Perna's wedding at The Brownstone attended by many Lucchese Crime Family members.

Four years later, Manzo attempted to hide and alter documents related to this wedding when responding to a grand jury subpoena.

Judge Wigenton also sentenced Manzo to three years of supervised release following his prison term and ordered immediate remandment.

Special agents from several law enforcement agencies were credited for their roles in investigating this case leading to Manzo's conviction. These included FBI agents under Acting Special Agent Nelson I. Delgado's direction as well as officers from various police departments and prosecutors' offices across New Jersey.

Assistant U.S. Attorneys Kendall R. Randolph and Thomas S. Kearney along with Bruce P. Keller served as representatives for the government during these proceedings.