RI Man Among 14 Charged In Multi-Million Dollar Sports Gambling Ring Takedown: AG

TRENTON, NJ — A North Kingstown man was among 14 charged in connection with a multi-million dollar sports gambling ring.

William Medeiros, 22, was one of several "high-level agents" and managed his own sports book within the nationwide enterprise, according to a media release from the New Jersey Attorney General's Office.

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The operation was led by Joseph M. “Little Joe” Perna, 55, a "soldier in the Lucchese crime family," according to the release.

"The enterprise systematically enticed individuals to place bets, and the illicit proceeds were used to operate the enterprise and enrich the enterprise members," the release said.

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"Members of the enterprise included student athletes, who operated sportsbooks for the Perna enterprise," according to the release. "Between 2022 and 2024, the enterprise transferred approximately $2 million in suspected gambling transactions."

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Perna's sons, stepson, a number of nephews, wife and ex-wife were also charged in connection with the "sophisticated sports betting operation," the release said.

In addition to directing a "nationwide web of bookmakers," Perna, a resident of Fairfield, New Jersey, also "acted as the 'financier,' who supported the operation," according to the release.

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Medeiros was charged with racketeering, conspiracy, promoting gambling by bookmaking and possession of gambling records, according to the attorney general's office.

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