Fourteen people have been charged in an alleged organized crime sports betting ring operating in North Jersey, authorities announced.

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,” said Col. Patrick J. Callahan, superintendent of the New Jersey State Police.

Investigators say the enterprise involved a network of bookmakers and was based in Essex and Bergen counties.

Perna’s son, Joseph R. Perna, 25, of Oakland, allegedly managed daily sportsbook operations, overseeing dozens of agents, including his brother, Anthony Perna, 23, of Oakland; his stepbrother, Frank Zito, 23, of Fairfield; and cousins Dominic Perna, 23, of Newark, and Michael Cetta, 23, of North Haledon.

Other defendants include Perna’s wife, Kim Zito, 53, of Fairfield, his ex-wife, Rosanna Magno, 52, of Oakland; Tyler Schnorrbusch, 23, of Wyckoff; Nicholas Raimo, 25, of East Hanover; Joseph Janish, 23, of North Caldwell and Spencer Speziale, 22, of Wyckoff.

Outside of New Jersey, prosecutors charged William Medeiros, 22, of North Kingstown, Rhode Island, and Devon Shuster, 28, of Gainesville, Florida, in connection with the illegal betting ring.

Many defendants face charges including racketeering, conspiracy, gambling offenses and money laundering.

Prosecutors say Perna’s wife and ex-wife face additional charges unrelated to the racketeering scheme.