Former “Real Housewives of New Jersey” star Dina Manzo’s ex-husband, Thomas “Tommy” Manzo, has been found guilty of hiring a reputed mobster, John Perna, to assault her then-boyfriend, Dave Cantin. Manzo was convicted by a federal grand jury of conspiracy, falsifying and concealing documents, and committing a violent crime in aid of racketeering activity. Perna physically assaulted Cantin in a North Jersey strip mall parking lot in 2015 using a slapjack. Manzo faces up to 46 years in prison and a $500,000 fine, with his sentencing scheduled for October 15.
Prosecutors revealed that Tommy Manzo hired John Perna due to his anger over Dina being involved with another man. Perna, a member of the Lucchese crime family and son of former mob boss Ralph Perna, was paid with a discounted wedding reception at Manzo’s catering hall, The Brownstone, after assaulting Cantin. Perna had already served three years in prison after pleading guilty to committing a violent crime in aid of racketeering activity and was released in 2023. Despite Perna’s imprisonment, Tommy remained free on bail. The FBI’s Newark field office head, James E. Dennehy, emphasized the seriousness of the case and hoped the victims could move on from Manzo and his criminal associations.
Tommy Manzo previously faced charges of committing a violent crime in aid of racketeering activity in a 2020 indictment, but these were dismissed in March due to a violation of his rights under the Speedy Trial Act. The Act requires a trial to begin within 70 days of the indictment being filed or the defendant appearing before a court officer. Judge Susan Wigenton dismissed the case without prejudice, leaving room for the feds to indict Tommy again. Soon after, a new three-count indictment with fresh charges was filed against him. Manzo’s guilty verdict became part of his numerous legal issues, including pending charges for allegedly breaking into Dina and Cantin’s home in Holmdel, N.J. in 2017 with another man, beating the couple with a bat, robbing them, and fleeing.
Dina Manzo married Cantin in 2017 after divorcing Tommy in 2016 following a separation in 2012 due to his infidelity. She left the “RHONJ” show in 2016 to move to California, where she and Cantin bought a $16 million ocean-view mansion in Montecito in 2020. They also own a second home in New Jersey and a beach house in Florida. The couple’s relationship has endured tumultuous events, including the violent attack orchestrated by Tommy Manzo against Cantin. Despite the challenges they have faced, Dina and Cantin have persevered and built a life together away from the drama and legal troubles involving Tommy Manzo and his criminal associates.
Tommy Manzo’s conviction sheds light on the dark underbelly of organized crime and the lengths individuals may go to out of jealousy and anger. The involvement of a reputed mobster in the assault on Dina Manzo’s boyfriend highlights the dangers associated with such associations. The legal battles and charges faced by Tommy Manzo serve as a cautionary tale for those considering getting caught up in criminal activities. As Dina and Cantin move forward with their lives, they serve as examples of resilience and determination in the face of adversity and trauma. The verdict in Tommy Manzo’s case is a step towards justice for the victims and a reminder of the consequences of crossing ethical and legal boundaries.
