A New Jersey politician was arrested among members of the high-ranking Lucchese crime family in an alleged gambling ring, officials said Friday.
New Jersey Attorney General (AG) Matthew Platkin said 39 people have been charged after a two-year-long investigation into a gambling ring, including Prospect Park Councilman Anand Shah and known members of the Lucchese organized crime family.
The people arrested have been charged with racketeering, gambling offenses, money laundering, and other crimes “in connection with multiple illegal card games and online sports betting,” Platkin said during a press conference.
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Shah, 42, was allegedly identified as a manager of the illegal poker games and an online sportsbook associated with the Luccheses. Officials said that members of the Lucchese family arrested included George Zapola and Joseph “Big Joe” Perna.
Alleged Lucchese soldiers Wayne Cross and John Perna were also arrested, Platkin added.
“These arrests are the result of an extensive and methodical two-year investigation into a sophisticated illegal gambling operation tied to the Lucchese crime family,” he said.
On Wednesday, the New Jersey State police searched four poker clubs across three New Jersey towns. Two clubs were found with backroom poker games hidden behind restaurants, Platkin said.
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The poker clubs allegedly operated under an organized structure, with high-level managers who “delegated the day-to-day operations of the clubs to managers who were present during the games,” the AG said.
The managers allegedly collected rent from the poker hosts and oversaw employees that worked in clubs. The hosts allegedly recruited players in addition to financially staking the game and supplying food and drinks. The clubs allegedly included gambling machines that players could use as they waited to take part in live poker games.
“I am keenly aware of the public’s perception of elected officials in New Jersey and the lack of trust that so many have in their public officials and governmental institutions,” Platkin said. “The arrest of a sitting council member only adds fuel to that fire.”
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“But, I also want it to serve as a warning to other elected and appointed officials throughout our state, who operate as if the laws don’t apply to them,” he continued. “Let them be warned, the law not only applies to you, but the Department of Law and Public Safety, the Division of Criminal Justice, the New Jersey State Police will strictly enforce our law regardless of what office you hold or how powerful you may be.”
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