Ex-Husband of 'Real Housewives of New Jersey' Star Convicted in Vicious Assault Plot

The ex-husband of Dina Manzo, a former star of “The Real Housewives of New Jersey,” was convicted of orchestrating a "vicious" attack on her then-boyfriend, now-husband, federal prosecutors announced Tuesday.

The Conviction and Charges

Thomas Manzo, 59, was found guilty of hiring a mob soldier from the Lucchese Crime Family to carry out the 2015 attack on David Cantin, Dina Manzo's boyfriend at the time. According to the U.S. Attorney's Office for the District of New Jersey, Manzo paid for the attack with a free wedding reception at his business.

Manzo was convicted by a jury on several counts:

- 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.

- One count of falsifying and concealing documents related to a federal investigation.

Background and Details of the Attack

The attack took place on July 18, 2015, outside a Passaic County strip mall. John Perna, the alleged mob soldier, along with another member of his crew, assaulted Cantin using a "slapjack" weapon, aiming to inflict injuries that would leave a permanent facial scar. Prosecutors said the plan was orchestrated by Manzo to target his ex-wife's new partner.

As payment for the assault, Manzo held a free wedding reception for Perna at the restaurant he owned. This quid pro quo arrangement underscored the criminal collaboration between Manzo and the Lucchese Crime Family.

Legal Proceedings and Sentencing

Thomas Manzo was charged in 2020, and his conviction this week follows the guilty plea of John Perna in December 2020. Perna was sentenced in 2021 to 2 1/2 years in prison.

Manzo faces a maximum of 20 years each on the two most severe counts, and a maximum of three years in prison on the conspiracy count. Sentencing is scheduled for October 15. His attorney did not immediately respond to an emailed request for comment.

Official Statements

“Thomas Manzo hired a soldier in the Lucchese Crime Family to carry out a vicious assault on his ex-wife’s then-boyfriend, causing the victim to suffer significant injuries,” U.S. Attorney Philip R. Sellinger said in a statement.

Dina Manzo's Involvement in Reality TV

Dina Manzo appeared as a main cast member in “The Real Housewives of New Jersey” in seasons one and two, which aired in 2009 and 2010, and returned for season six in 2014. Her involvement in the reality show brought public attention to her personal life, which has now been further spotlighted by this criminal case.

Details of the Assault

David Cantin was attacked in the parking lot of a strip mall in Passaic County. Perna, armed with a slapjack weapon, assaulted Cantin, intending to inflict a permanent facial scar. This premeditated act was a direct result of Manzo's orchestration and agreement with Perna. The goal was to send a clear, violent message to Cantin.

Following the assault, Manzo hosted a lavish wedding reception for Perna at his restaurant as payment for the attack. This event was a stark reminder of the mob-style quid pro quo that defined the arrangement.

Legal Ramifications

Manzo's legal troubles began in earnest with his 2020 indictment. The subsequent trial revealed the depth of his involvement with the Lucchese Crime Family and the extent of his actions against Cantin. John Perna's guilty plea and subsequent sentencing in 2021 provided crucial testimony that supported the case against Manzo.

Manzo's conviction carries severe penalties, reflecting the gravity of his crimes. The charges of committing a violent crime in aid of racketeering and conspiracy to commit such a crime each carry a maximum sentence of 20 years. Additionally, the charge of falsifying and concealing documents related to a federal investigation underscores the lengths Manzo went to cover up his involvement, which carries a maximum sentence of three years.

Wider Implications

This case highlights the dark intersection of personal vendettas and organized crime. It underscores the potential dangers of leveraging criminal connections to settle personal disputes. The involvement of a reality TV star adds a layer of public interest, but the underlying issues are deeply serious and have far-reaching implications.

Conclusion

The conviction of Thomas Manzo is a significant legal victory for the U.S. Attorney’s Office and a stark reminder of the lengths some individuals will go to exact personal revenge. As the sentencing date approaches, the case serves as a cautionary tale about the destructive power of personal vendettas and their potential to intersect with organized crime. This high-profile conviction will likely resonate in both legal and public spheres, highlighting the importance of justice and the rule of law.