Overview
- Prosecutors announced Wednesday that eight defendants pleaded guilty to charges tied to racketeering, gambling and money laundering in a long-running New Jersey probe.
- Three defendants—George Zappola, Joseph R. Perna and John G. Perna—admitted racketeering in plea deals that carry recommended seven-year sentences.
- Investigators allege the operation ran live poker games and gaming machines in social clubs where managers collected monetary 'rent' from hosts to permit the games.
- The state traced about $4.79 million in suspected criminal proceeds and found members used multiple shell corporations and legitimate businesses to hide the funds.
- Three companies also pleaded guilty to conspiracy and face $250,000 in penalties, a step prosecutors say will disrupt the enterprise as remaining cases move through the courts.