Two former NCAA wrestlers among those arrested in alleged mafia-led sports betting ring in New Jersey
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Among the 14 people arrested Thursday for their alleged involvement in an illegal sports betting ring were two former Rutgers University wrestlers.
Nicholas Raimo, 25, and Michael Cetta, 23, were identified as alleged sub-agents of the ring that was allegedly operated by Joseph M. “Little Joe” Perna, identified as a member of the Lucchese crime family.
Raimo was a two-time state champion at Hanover Park High School and previously wrestled at Arizona State before moving closer to home. However, he never competed as a Scarlet Knight and missed the 2021-22 season due to injury. He went 132-5 in his high school career, according to the Arizona State website.
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Michael Cetta is one of two former Rutgers wrestlers arrested Thursday. (Peter Ackerman/USA Today Network)
As for Cetta, he was ranked 26th nationally in the 149-pound class. He qualified for the NCAA in his third year, when he accumulated nine victories. In his college career, he went 40-27.
Both former wrestlers were charged with racketeering in the first degree, money laundering by promotion in the first degree, conspiracy in the second degree, promotion of gambling by betting in the third degree and possession of gambling records in the third degree.
Rutgers University did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
Perna is being charged along with his children, stepson, nephews and others with crimes of extortion, conspiracy, money laundering and gambling. Perna’s wife and ex-wife are also charged regardless of the plot.
Documents filed in the case allege that in January 2024, members of the State Police Port Security Section’s Port Investigations Unit began investigating an illegal sports betting ring operating in Essex and Bergen counties.
Nicholas Raimo won two state titles attending Hanover Park High School. (Derik Hamilton/Image Images)
The scheme allegedly enticed people to place bets and the profits were used to operate the company and enrich its members.
Between 2022 and 2024, the gambling network transferred approximately $2 million in suspicious gambling transactions.
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The company had “a nationwide network of bookmakers” who worked under Perna, a soldier of the Lucchese crime family.
“Perna acted as the ‘financier,’ who supported the operation,” the Attorney General’s Office said. “Perna’s son, Joseph R. Perna, 25, of Oakland, New Jersey, ran the daily operations of the bookmaker, facilitating the involvement of dozens of subordinate agents, including his brother, Anthony Perna, 23, of Oakland; his stepbrother, Frank Zito, 23, of Fairfield; and his cousins, Dominic Perna, 23, of Newark, New Jersey; and Michael Cetta, 23, of North Haledon, New Jersey.”
The Rutgers Scarlet Knights logo is displayed in concrete before the game between Rutgers Scarlet Knights and Oregon Ducks at SHI Stadium on October 18, 2025, in Piscataway, New Jersey. (Getty Images)
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First-degree crimes in the case carry a prison sentence of 10 to 20 years and a fine of up to $200,000. First-degree money laundering carries a fine of $500,000. Second through fourth degree charges also carry a prison sentence.
News’ Scott Thompson contributed to this report.
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