TRENTON, N.J. -- Fourteen people have been charged in an alleged organized crime sports betting ring operating in North Jersey, authorities announced on Thursday.

Attorney General Matthew Platkin identified the alleged ringleader as Joseph "Little Joe" Perna, 55, of Fairfield, who investigators say is a soldier in the Lucchese crime family.

According to prosecutors, the ring solicited individuals to place sports bets, with proceeds benefiting members of the enterprise, including student-athletes.

Authorities allege that between 2022 and 2024, the operation handled about $2 million in suspected gambling transactions.

"The takedown of this organized illegal sports gambling ring underscores our unwavering commitment to dismantling criminal networks that profit from corruption and greed,"

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