Thomas Manzo, the ex-husband of The 'Real Housewives of New Jersey' alum, has been found guilty of orchestrating an attack on her now-husband David Cantin, with the help of a reputed mobster.
- June 5, 2024
AceShowbiz - Thomas Manzo, 59, of Franklin Lakes, New Jersey, was convicted by a federal jury on charges of conspiracy, falsifying and concealing documents, and committing a violent crime in aid of racketeering activity. He faces up to 46 years in prison and a $500,000 fine when sentenced on October 15.
According to prosecutors, Manzo hired John Perna, a "soldier" in the Lucchese Crime Family, to assault David Cantin, Dina Manzo's then-boyfriend, in a North Jersey parking lot in July 2015. Manzo allegedly paid Perna with a free, lavish wedding reception at his Paterson, New Jersey catering hall, The Brownstone, shortly after the attack.
Perna pleaded guilty to committing a violent crime in aid of racketeering activity in December 2020 and was released in August 2023. Prosecution witnesses testified that Manzo was outraged that his ex-wife was romantically involved with another man and wanted the attack to leave a "permanent facial scar."
Dina Manzo and Cantin married in 2017.
In a statement, FBI Newark Special Agent in Charge Jim Dennehy said, "The facts and circumstances in this case read like something from a bad TV crime drama, but the evidence and testimony presented in court prove it was reality."
Manzo's attorneys had attempted to have the charges dismissed, arguing that he had been denied a speedy trial. However, the judge denied their request.
Dina Manzo appeared on the first and second seasons of "The Real Housewives of New Jersey" and made guest appearances in later seasons. She has since moved to California with her husband.
