“Real Housewives of New Jersey” Star’s Ex Convicted of Hiring Mobster to Beat Up Her Boyfriend
Thomas Manzo, ex-husband of Dina Cantin, could face up to 46 years in prison for his 2017 crimes
Thomas Manzo, the ex-husband of former Real Housewives of New Jersey star Dina Cantin (formerly Manzo), was convicted of arranging an assault on the star's then-boyfriend in exchange for a free wedding reception
Manzo now faces up to 46 years in prison and a $500,000 fine for three separate counts
His sentence is scheduled for Oct. 15.
On Tuesday, June 4, Real Housewives of New Jersey alum Dina Cantin’s ex-husband was convicted of orchestrating an assault on Cantin’s then-boyfriend, now-husband in exchange for a free wedding reception, per a press release from the U.S. Attorney's Office, District of New Jersey.
Thomas Manzo, 59, was charged with one count of committing a violent crime in aid of racketeering activity, one count of conspiracy to commit a violent crime in aid of racketeering resulting in serious bodily injury, and one count of falsifying and concealing documents related to a federal investigation.
Manzo now faces up to 46 years in prison. Both crimes of racketeering activity and concealing records related to a federal investigation carry a maximum potential penalty of 20 years in prison and a $250,000 fine. The conspiracy to commit a violent crime in aid of racketeering carries a maximum potential penalty of three years in prison. His sentence is scheduled for Oct. 15.
Related: Dina and Caroline Manzo: Everything We Know About the Family Drama Between the 'RHONJ' Alums
Federal prosecutor Philip R. Sellinger said Manzo hired Lucchese Crime Family “soldier” John Perna to commit the July 2015 “vicious assault” against the 52-year-old’s now-husband Dave Cantin. After the assault, Perna held a lavish wedding reception at Manzo's Banquets & Catering for free.
After both the assault and wedding, “Manzo concealed and falsified documents related to the Perna wedding in response to a grand jury subpoena,” per the press release.
FBI Newark Special Agent in Charge James E. Dennehy said on Tuesday, “The facts and circumstances in this case read like something from a bad TV crime drama, but the evidence and testimony presented in court prove it was reality. We truly hope the victims in this investigation are able to move on with their lives and forget about Manzo and his criminal mafia bedfellows.”
Before Manzo’s conviction, Perna pleaded guilty in December 2020 and was sentenced to 30 months in prison for planning and carrying out an aggravated assault; Perna was released in August 2023.
Related: Alleged Mobster Sentenced for 2015 Attack of Former 'RHONJ' Star Dina Manzo's Husband David Cantin
Manzo and Dina were married when the former reality star was cast in the first two seasons of Real Housewives of New Jersey. After seven years of marriage, she split from Manzo in 2012 and wed Cantin in 2017.
Dina’s older sister, also an original RHONJ cast member, Caroline Manzo, is married to Thomas’ older brother, Albert Manzo. (The two are sister-in-laws of fellow original cast member Jacqueline Laurita, who is married to the sisters’ younger brother, Chris.)
After the assault, Caroline, 62, expressed support for her brother-in-law, which then led Dina to speak out against Caroline. The elder sister also wrote a letter of support for Dina's ex-husband.
In June 2021, Dina also criticized her nephew, Caroline's son Albie, for teasing that he would discuss the family drama in episodes of his podcast Dear Albie.
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In addition to Thomas’ recent charges, in 2021, he was linked to the June 2017 brutal home invasion that targeted Dina and Dave. He was indicted alongside James Mainello for his role as an accomplice to first-degree robbery, second-degree burglary, second-degree aggravated assault, third-degree aggravated assault, third-degree theft, third-degree possession of a weapon for an unlawful purpose and third-degree criminal restraint. He was also charged as the sole actor in two counts of fourth-degree stalking of Dina and Cantin.
He was sentenced to two years in federal prison for the assault and ordered to pay $17,816 in restitution, per the United States Attorney's Office District of New Jersey.
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