New Jersey Councilman Permanently Banned from Office After Pleading Guilty to Racketeering

A New Jersey politician has been permanently barred from holding public office after admitting to his role in an illegal gambling ring connected to the Lucchese crime family, where he reportedly earned nearly $1 million, much of which funded his political campaign. Prospect Park Councilman Anand Shah pleaded guilty to charges of racketeering, money laundering, and official misconduct, facing up to 10 years in prison, as announced by New Jersey Attorney General Jennifer Davenport on Friday. Shah, 44, worked as a sportsbook agent and poker manager in the gambling operation that spanned restaurants in Morris, Passaic, and Bergen counties from January 2017 to August 2023. He hosted illegal poker games, worked with subagents, and collected “rakes” that resulted in profits of $900,084. Shah acknowledged that he would forgive debts owed to him in exchange for contributions to his campaign fund. Davenport stated, "Public officials have a special duty to ensure that they follow the law. The defendant not only broke the law, but he then used criminal proceeds to fund his political campaign. Today’s guilty plea demonstrates that no one is above the law." The Lucchese crime family oversaw the poker games, leading to charges against 42 individuals linked to the operation. In April 2025, police raided four illegal poker clubs associated with the family, uncovering additional locations tied to the ring. The investigation revealed $4.79 million in suspected criminal proceeds, with mobsters using shell corporations to conceal the money, according to Davenport’s office. NJ Division of Criminal Justice Director Theresa L. Hilton noted that traditional organized crime remains a significant issue in New Jersey, despite legal gambling options. Thirty-eight individuals have already pleaded guilty in connection with the gambling investigation, while two others are still facing charges. Alleged Lucchese family members George Zappola, Joseph R. Perna, and John G. Perna, who were high-level organizers in the gambling ring, have also pleaded guilty to racketeering in exchange for lighter sentences. Shah awaits a sentencing hearing where prosecutors will recommend a 10-year prison term as part of his plea deal. He has been forced to forfeit his political office and is banned from holding public office in the future. Shah resigned on Friday following the public disclosure of his plea deal, as announced by Prospect Park Mayor Mohamed T Khairullah. Despite his indictment in April 2025, Shah remained in office until his resignation, with the mayor and other council members previously urging him to step down. Mayor Khairullah stated, "When Mr. Shah was first charged in 2025, I joined my colleagues in calling for his resignation. At the same time, we respected his right to due process and allowed the judicial process to take its course." The mayor’s office will seek to fill Shah’s vacancy while continuing to serve the borough. Shah is scheduled for sentencing on December 4.