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

Fox News Flash top sports headlines are here. Check out what's clicking on Foxnews.com.

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.

CLICK HERE FOR MORE SPORTS COVERAGE ON FOXNEWS.COM

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.

Documents filed in the case allege that, in January 2024, members of