‘Real Housewives’ Star’s Ex-Husband Found Guilty of Hiring Gangster to Assault Boyfriend

NEWARK, NJ — The ex-husband of a “Real Housewives of New Jersey” cast member was convicted Tuesday of hiring a reputed gangster to assault the woman’s boyfriend in exchange for a lavish reception free wedding.

A federal jury found Thomas Manzo of Franklin Lakes guilty of conspiracy, falsifying and concealing records and committing a violent crime in aid of racketeering activity. The ex-husband of “Real Housewives” cast member Dina Manzo faces up to 46 years in prison when he is sentenced Oct. 15.

Federal prosecutors said Thomas Manzo, 59, hired John Perna — who they described as a soldier in the Lucchese Crime Family — to carry out the July 2015 attack. Perna’s wedding reception took place on following month at a Paterson restaurant partly owned by Manzo, prosecutors said.

Perna pleaded guilty in December 2020 to committing a violent crime in aid of racketeering activity and was sentenced to 2 1/2 years. He was released last August. Dina Manzo’s boyfriend is now her husband.