Organized Crime, College Athletes Linked in Multi-Million Dollar Sports Betting Bust
Fourteen individuals, including college athletes, are charged in a multi-million-dollar illegal sports betting operation linked to organized crime, allegedly led by Joseph "Little Joe" Perna.
Overview
- Fourteen individuals, including college athletes, have been charged in connection with a multi-million-dollar illegal sports betting operation, highlighting the scheme's broad reach.
- Joseph "Little Joe" Perna, identified as a Lucchese crime family member, allegedly led a nationwide bookmaker network orchestrating the massive sports gambling scheme.
- Joseph R. Perna, "Little Joe's" son, managed the daily operations and subordinate agents within this mafia-backed betting ring, with his father providing financial backing.
- The operation is directly linked to organized crime, specifically the Lucchese crime family, underscoring the serious nature and criminal enterprise behind the betting.
- Individuals convicted of first-degree crimes related to organized crime and sports gambling schemes face substantial prison sentences of 10 to 20 years and fines up to $200,000.
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FAQ
Joseph "Little Joe" Perna, a 55-year-old member of the Lucchese crime family, allegedly led the illegal sports betting operation, providing financial backing and overseeing the network of bookmakers and agents.
College athletes operated sportsbooks for the gambling ring, but their identities and the exact number involved have not been disclosed by authorities.
Those charged face racketeering, conspiracy, money laundering, and gambling offenses, with potential sentences of 10 to 20 years in prison and fines up to $200,000 for first-degree crimes.
Yes, this case is part of a broader probe into illegal sports betting and rigged poker games involving the Lucchese crime family and other Italian mafia families, which has also implicated current and former NBA players and coaches.
While no arrests have been made specifically for sports betting in college sports, there is an ongoing probe being run by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania.
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