“Real Housewives of New Jersey” star Caroline Manzo is speaking out about her sister Dina’s ex-husband Thomas allegedly hiring a hitman to assault her new man.
Caroline spoke to Extra about Thomas Manzo’s recent arrest and criminal indictment. Caroline is not only Dina’s sister but she is married to Thomas’ brother Albert Manzo III. Caroline said, “We are heartbroken. This is family on both sides. I want to know the truth, and my allegiance will lie with the truth.”
She added, “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.”
Dina has remained silent following Thomas’ arrest. As The Blast previously reported, earlier this month, Thomas was taken into custody after being hit with a criminal indictment for his role in the attack on Dina’s current husband, David Cantin. Prosecutors claim he hired a man named John Perna, a member of the Lucchese Crime Family, to track down David in 2015. In exchange for the job being done he promised to give John a discounted wedding reception at a venue he owns.
John tracked David down to a strip mall in New Jersey where he attacked him with a slapjack. Thomas is facing charges of committing a violent crime in aid of racketeering activity and conspiracy to commit a violent crime in aid of racketeering activity. Thomas is facing a maximum potential sentence of 20 years in prison and a $250,000 fine if convicted.
Dina’s ex-husband entered a plea of not guilty to all charges. His bond has been set at $100,000 and he will have to surrender his passport if released.
Thomas’ attorney said, “The allegations more resemble a fictional plot of a reality TV show and will be proven to be absolutely and totally false as it relates to Thomas Manzo.”