Years of Real Housewives of New Jersey-related drama have come to a surprising conclusion. Tommy Manzo, the ex-husband of former housewife Dina Manzo, is facing over 40 years in prison. The sentence comes after a 2015 attack on Dina’s current husband, Dave Cantin.
Prosecutors say that Tommy — brother of Albert Manzo, with whom he co-owns The Brownstone, a venue featured on the early seasons of the reality series — hired a mobster to assault his ex’s new love. In exchange for a free wedding at the venue, a member of the Lucchese crime family member, John Perna, assaulted Dave in a strip mall parking lot. Dina’s ex was believed to be jealous of her new relationship.
Tommy Manzo Faces 43 Years in Prison
The restauranteur was convicted on three counts. One count was committing a violent crime in aid of racketeering activity. Another was conspiracy to commit a violent crime in aid of racketeering, resulting in serious bodily injury. Lastly, he was convicted of one count of falsifying and concealing documents related to a federal investigation.
Tommy’s sentencing will be on October 15, 2024.
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. We truly hope the victims in this investigation are able to move on with their lives and forget about Manzo and his criminal mafia bedfellows.
FBI Newark Special Agent in Charge Jim Dennehy per ABC News
The crime puts a cap on family drama, which has extended to and deepened the rift between Dina and Caroline Manzo. The sisters, who were once married to brothers, have had a rocky relationship since Dina’s divorce in 2012.
In May 2022, Caroline Manzo penned a letter in support of Tommy amid the legal drama. Despite the fact that Dina is her sister, Caroline made it clear which side of her family she’d sided with. She also spoke out in a statement.
This is family on both sides. I want to know the truth, and my allegiance will lie with the truth. We don’t run from things like this; we address them. And I feel comfortable with that because we are being painted with a brush that does not reflect who we are as people.
Caroline Manzo, per Extra
Albert also spoke out in support of his brother, doubling down on the couple’s belief in his innocence. Unlike Caroline’s approach, he tried to show sympathy for Dina Manzo’s new husband.
It’s awful what happened to Dina’s husband. We just have to hope that whoever really did this is found and goes to jail.
Albert Manzo, per The New York Post
Believe it or not, The Real Housewives of New Jersey wasn’t the first reality show to introduce the Manzos to the world. Tommy and Dina’s lavish wedding was featured on the VH1 reality series My Big Fabulous Wedding.
Though the show illustrated an unforgettable event, there were some sour notes as well. In one scene, Dina admits she’s marrying Tommy despite his previous cheating. At the time, they’d been together five years, but he’d “cheated a couple of times.” Caroline and Albert also appear, helping Dina with wedding planning.
