New Jersey Attorney General has announced charges against 39 defendants, including numerous members and associates of the notorious Lucchese crime family, for their involvement in racketeering, illegal gambling, and money laundering. Among those arrested is a local councilman, highlighting the deep connections between organized crime and public officials in the region. The gambling operation allegedly spanned multiple restaurants across the state, with officials describing it as a sprawling illegal ring run by mafia leaders. This extensive crackdown has resulted in multiple arrests and charges against elected officials, underscoring the ongoing battle against organized crime in New Jersey.