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Two former NCAA wrestlers among those arrested in alleged mafia-led New Jersey sports gambling ring

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Two former NCAA wrestlers among those arrested in alleged mafia-led New Jersey sports gambling ring

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Among the 14 people arrested Thursday for their alleged involvement in an illegal sports gambling ring were two former wrestlers at Rutgers University.

Nicholas Raimo, 25, and Michael Cetta, 23, were identified as alleged sub-agents of the ring that was allegedly operated by Joseph M. “Little Joe” Perna, identified as a member of the Lucchese crime family.

Raimo was a two-time state champion at Hanover Park High School and previously wrestled at Arizona State before transferring closer to home. He never competed as a Scarlet Knight, however, missing out on the 2021-22 season due to injury. He went 132-5 in his high school career, according to Arizona State’s website.

 

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Michael Cetta is one of two former Rutgers wrestlers arrested Thursday. (Peter Ackerman/USA Today Network)

As for Cetta, he was ranked as high as 26th in the nation in the 149-pound class. He was an NCAA qualifier his junior year, when he racked up nine victories. In his college career, he went 40-27.

Both former wrestlers were charged with racketeering in the first degree, money laundering by promoting in the first degree, conspiracy in the second degree, promoting gambling by bookmaking in the third degree, and possession of gambling records in the third degree.

Rutgers University did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

Perna is being charged along with his sons, stepson, nephews and others with racketeering, conspiracy, money laundering and gambling offenses. Perna’s wife and ex-wife are also being charged independently of the scheme.

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Documents filed in the case allege that, in January 2024, members of the Port Investigations Unit of the State Police Port Security Section began investigating an illegal sports betting ring operating out of Essex and Bergen counties.

Nicholas Raimo won two state titles attending Hanover Park High School. (Derik Hamilton/Imagn Images)

The scheme allegedly enticed individuals to place bets, and proceeds were used to operate the enterprise and enrich its members.

Between 2022 and 2024, the gambling ring reportedly transferred an estimated $2 million in suspected gambling transactions.

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The enterprise had “a nationwide web of bookmakers” who worked under Perna, a soldier in the Lucchese crime family.

“Perna acted as the ‘financier,’ who supported the operation,” the Office of the Attorney General said. “Perna’s son, Joseph R. Perna, 25, of Oakland, N.J., conducted the daily operations of the sportsbook, facilitating dozens of subordinate agents, including his brother, Anthony Perna, 23, of Oakland; his stepbrother, Frank Zito, 23, of Fairfield; and his cousins, Dominic Perna, 23, of Newark, N.J.; and Michael Cetta, 23, of North Haledon, N.J.”

The Rutgers Scarlet Knights logo is shown on concrete before the game between the Rutgers Scarlet Knights and the Oregon Ducks at SHI Stadium on Oct. 18, 2025, in Piscataway, New Jersey. (Getty Images)

First-degree crimes in the case carry a prison sentence of 10 to 20 years and a fine of up to $200,000. First-degree money laundering carries a $500,000 fine. Second- through fourth-degree charges also carry prison time.

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Fox News’ Scott Thompson contributed to this report.

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Connecticut

Motorcyclist seriously injured after crashing into parked, unoccupied vehicle in Meriden

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Motorcyclist seriously injured after crashing into parked, unoccupied vehicle in Meriden


MERIDEN, Conn. (WTNH) — A motorcyclist has serious injuries after a crash early Friday morning in Meriden, according to police.

The crash happened just after 3:00 a.m. in the area of Lincoln Street. The motorcyclist was navigating a turn when they struck a parked, unoccupied vehicle, police said.

Motorcyclist seriously injured in Meriden crash, July 3, 2026.

The motorcyclist was taken to an area trauma center, according to police.

A section of Lincoln Street is blocked for the investigation, police said.

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Meriden’s accident investigation team responded to the scene.

Additional information was not immediately available.


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Watch News 8 on WTNH.com or the free WTNH News 8 streaming app on Roku, Apple TV, Amazon Fire TV and select Samsung Smart TVs.



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Maine

Magalloway Conservation Project in western Maine nearing completion

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Magalloway Conservation Project in western Maine nearing completion


A historic 78,000-acre conservation project in the western Maine woods is nearing completion.

The Magalloway Conservation Project will ensure the land remains open for fishing, hunting, and other recreational activities for generations to come.

The project will also protect wildlife habitat and support the regional timber economy.

The effort began last March and is expected to be completed later this month.

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Four conservation groups are leading the project.



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Massachusetts

Massachusetts city imposes curfew ahead of historic World Cup match

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Massachusetts city imposes curfew ahead of historic World Cup match


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A Massachusetts city with one of the nation’s largest Cape Verdean communities has imposed a temporary curfew ahead of Friday’s historic World Cup match between the West African nation and Argentina.

The curfew will be in effect in Brockton, just south of Boston, from 10 p.m. Friday until 5 a.m. Saturday. 

City officials said the decision follows recent World Cup celebrations that led to dangerous and unlawful behavior. 

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“World Cup celebrations have resulted in incidents of reckless driving, illegal street gatherings, vandalism, assaults, fireworks violations, disorderly conduct and other criminal activities,” the city said. 

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A Cape Verde fan attends the 2026 FIFA World Cup Group H match between Uruguay and Cape Verde at Miami Stadium in Miami on June 21, 2026. (Craig Williamson/SNS Group)

Brockton is home to one of the largest Cape Verdean communities in the United States, with nearly one in four residents identifying as Cape Verdean, according to local outlet The Enterprise.

Friday’s match was expected to draw large celebrations, as the 2026 tournament marks the first time the African island nation has qualified for the FIFA World Cup.

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Following previous World Cup matches, Brockton police said several people were injured in shootings that erupted during postgame celebrations, according to local outlet Boston 25 News — prompting city officials to impose the temporary curfew ahead of Friday’s matchup. 

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A mural on the side of the Mayor Bill Carpenter Garage in Brockton, Massachusetts, on Oct. 8, 2020. (Lane Turner/The Boston Globe via Getty Images)

Under the curfew order, no one will be permitted to enter establishments serving alcohol after 7 p.m.

Patrons already inside will be allowed to remain until 10 p.m., but “last calls” for alcoholic beverages must end by 9:30 p.m. 

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The city said only limited exceptions to the curfew will be permitted.

Such cases include law enforcement officers and other first responders, individuals traveling directly to or from lawful employment, those seeking medical care, and those responding to emergencies. 

Cape Verde goalkeeper Vozinha celebrates at the end of the World Cup Group H match against Uruguay in Miami Gardens, Florida, on June 21, 2026. (Lynne Sladky/AP)

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Brockton officials described the measure as a public safety measure intended to preserve public order. 

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“The purpose of this curfew is to protect public safety, reduce criminal activity associated with post-match celebrations, and enable police, fire, and emergency personnel to effectively maintain order and respond to emergencies,” the city said. 

“Residents and visitors are urged to celebrate responsibly, obey all laws, avoid unlawful gatherings, and cooperate with public safety officials to ensure that all World Cup celebrations remain peaceful and safe.” 



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