From favored child to fallen angel, the Manzos have had a tumultuous relationship with State officials in New Jersey.
For years the Manzo Family benefited from their political contacts in Passaic County. During Season 2, Bravo filmed the annual fundraiser that the Manzo Family hosted for Passaic County Sheriff Jerry Speziale at their home in Franklin Lakes.
Passaic County Sheriff Jerry Speziale
While Speziale was Sheriff, Albert Manzo, co owner of the Brownstone, was appointed as the Deputy Chief of the Deputy Division of Passaic County Sheriff’s Department (PCSD).
Albert Sr shows off his Passaic County Police Academy Sweat Shirt in Season 2
After Albie was expelled from law school, Sheriff Speziale permitted Albie to enroll at the Passaic County Police Academy and hired him for the Department. Since there are limited positions in each class at a police academy, Albie’s presence meant that another candidate was denied entry into the Academy.
Albie wearing his Sheriff’s Department shirt on episode of RHONJ
On January 19, 2010, Governor Chris Christie took office. Governor Christie was a former US Attorney whose specialty was targeting corrupt politicians. On August 10, 2010, Sheriff Speziale announced his resignation effective immediately. Shortly thereafter, Albert and Albie Manzo lost their jobs with the PCSD.
On February 25, 2011, Governor Christie demanded that the seven commissioners at the North Jersey District Water Supply Commission provide detailed information on hiring / compensation practices and whether they played a role in finding jobs for family members. The Governor sent an additional letter to Commissioner Albert Manzo questioning why his residence was listed as the Brownstone Catering Hall (located in Passaic County) instead of his Franklin Lakes mansion (Bergen County), located 20 minutes away.
On March 15, 2011, Governor Christie suspended Manzo. The Governor indicated that if Manzo didn’t resign voluntarily, the Governor would file charges against him for falsifying his residence in order to qualify for the Commissioner’s position.
On March 22, 2011, Albert Manzo resigned as Commissioner. Manzo refused to acknowledge any wrong doing, he indicated that he was resigning so as not to “require the Commission to incur unnecessary legal fees.”
Governor Chris Christie responded that”RHONJ provided more proof that Albert Manzo is not sleeping on a cot at the Brownstone.”
As the patronage jobs in Passaic County dried up, the Manzo Family sought to sell their wares in Hudson County. Albie and Chris Manzo moved to Hudson County. In September, 2011, Albert Manzo approached “his friend” Hudson County Sheriff Frank Schillari about implementing an auxiliary police program, appointing Albert Sr as a Special Chief’s Deputy and allowing Albie into the Hudson County Sheriff’s Department.
The Hudson County Freeholders Public Safety Committee was less than enthusiastic with Albert Manzo’s plan. They gave it a “thumbs down.” Freeholder Bill O’Dea said they were scaling back but if there came a time that they needed someone to head up the department it would be “a full time staff person.” Thanks but no thanks Manzo.
Welcome to Governor Christie’s world: where patronage jobs are eliminated and where the Manzo Family cannot rely on the taxpayers.
I LOVE Christie, he suffers NO fools!
At last some real entertainment!!!!
How much do I love this site! Excellent write up!
This site is awesome! Im sick of the Manzos giving me reasons to hate them!
At least Governor Christie did one good thing with his time in office. Not sure if people know that Christie’s mom is Sicilian
I am not surprised Christie swept folks like Manzo out as part of his cleaning up of NJ. He always appeared to be someone who would simply do what he says he is going to do.
I remember years ago at the dinner table, when I first heard of him (as a US attorney), why did his parents name him Chris if the surname is Christie? My dad said, “He’s so nice, they named him twice,” and I almost spit out my meatball as I started laughing.
Well, we know he isn’t exactly “nice,” but I think he’s getting a lot of work done!
The plot gets thicker and thicker. The Manzos…how can they appear on TV like sparkling clean people? Corruption! Wow.
Love this story. Caroline likes to project she has the perfect family. They were stealing state benefits and trying to perpetuate into next generation. Makes you believe the lawsuits of cheating their employees, etc. Definitely not an honorable family. Lauritas sound bad as Manzos.
I wish Illinois had honest government. We have two former governors in penitentiary right now! You can imagine what goes on in this state, home of Obama.
I’m with you. We have two in jail and we still have corruption.
Thank you, Gov. Christie. The Manzos are real parasites.
I LOVE this!!!!!! Thanks for your hard work. The Manzos are pitiful!
HOLY CRAP!!!! Speziale was hired by my town as Chief of Police and within 24 hrs withdrew due to “personal family issues”!!!!!!! He had come with a very impressive resume, was second in command of the NY Port Authority and was a semi-famous mafia buster from his day in the NYPD, even wrote a book. I was part of the hiring process and spent 2 hours on the phone with him interviewing. I asked for access to his private Facebook page because I knew he had one ( I Google everyone before hire) and he granted me access. From his photos he lived a really “large” life, boats and travel etc. I could not understand why he would want to come to our town which is in the heart of coal country PA with a HUGE illegal immigration issue and a MASSIVE increase of violent crime and gang activity when he seemed to have such a cushy job. I voted against hiring him, I just got the wrong vibe but I was out voted. Everyone else thought we had hit pay dirt, I cannot wait to rub this in their faces!!!!!!!!!!!!!
What a small world we live in!!!
Speziale is a Democrat, BTW -…it stick in my mind because he pointed out that though I am a Republican he has worked comfortably with a Republican administration before. NO Sh^t, the Manzo’s ( I;m ashamed to say) consider themselves Republican!!!
Also, Christie is the MAN!!!
I cannot believe I glossed over him this morning when I read this…it hit me like a truck when I was falling asleep who he was and had to fire up the computer to comment again…I am in shock and doubt I’m going to get any sleep tonight…WOW!!! I’m floored!!!
Adioslunatic, that’s amazing. Speziale announced his resignation from Sheriff’s department days before his personal driver Mariano was arrested for official misconduct. He took a plea. Speziale’s best friend back in his NYPD days was Bernard Kerik.
Faux, this all went down this past March, Do you have full time-line? Don’t make yourself crazy but, if you do, I would be so appreciative!
I knew in my gut he HAD to be running from something. Ladies, let this be a lesson,don’t ever doubt your woman’s intuition!
Don’t even get me started on Kerik!
I have a zero dirt-bag tolerance!
Wow, just, wow. I am still in shock! Lmao!!! I’ll be damned…
Kerik is also a Franklin Lakes guy (before he was incarcerated) and Kerik’s wife was a business partner of Caroline Manzo – nice fit -
I know your part of PA very well. My parents grew up in the Irish/Polish coal mining town of Olyphant. There is a HUGE difference between the area of NY/NJ where he used to work and the quite sleep hills of the coal county areas of PA. Sounds like he was trying to hide from someone or something.
Old NJ girl, I know it well, too! Right near Scranton! Holy cow, small, small world!
I lived in the Wilkes Barre area for almost 10 years – Is that the area you’re talking about adioslunatic? The Jersey Girl in me HAD to get back home!
Yep, that’s the area!
This is a clear example, to me, of how many people have skeletons in their closets. In my own life, I was a wild child in my 20s, and I remember my grandmother always saying to me that the things I did then (which was “now” at the time) would “come home to roost.” She was right.
This well researche blog article brings up the question: how much of a background check does Bravo do? What is Bravo’s requirements to give a woman and her family the green light over other wannabes?
Please if anyone knows or has any opinions, I’d love to know! Frankly, I’m perplexed: if Albert knew he was scamming NJ, why would he believe that this would never come out, and eagerly allow his family to become national TV stars? (Same could be said for Melissa and her past).
One word, FairyFay, hubris. Definition:Overbearing pride or presumption; arrogance
Well, sure, Adios, of course hubris — and narcissism — are the reasons why many people seek out reality TV fame!
But what about how or if Bravo does any kind of background check, and what is its selection process? May sound a bit absurd but I do wonder if the network really does their own investigations and purposefully chooses women/families for HWs franchises because they know there is a clown-car’s worth of skeletons in their closets!
PS: Your little icon is so cute with the lipstick!
@ FairyFay I was of the same impression; that Bravo was lax in their screening process. I don’t believe that their intentions were ever to have these shows unfold as they have. Remember the first season’s of all these shows? They were light and funny. We grew attached to the these people and they had been presenting themselves to us in their very best light, as I am sure they did to Bravo. We wanted more of them so..Bravo gave us what we wanted. They all should have been one season and done. Even the most grounded person can get heady with the rush of a little fame, or, for that matter, infamy. The real big issue comes from the type of personality of the person and what there initial intentions were for being on the shows. Some thought it would be good for business, some thought it would be a fun romp, some thought it would help them land a mate, some thought they could pursue a lifetime fantasy of being a real performer, some thought they are so spectacular they must be presented to the world on a grander scale than just the little bubble they lived in so all could revel in the wonder of them. What unfolded after that is what happens in real life. People can only put up a false front for so long and then they are wont to “show they asses”, pardon my French.
Does that make any sense?
To answer your question — yes, totally and so brilliantly! Your explanation above is one of the best objective summaries of this HW phenomenon I’ve read. And I’m grateful for your insight and your time in helping me understand. Wishing you an awesome day!
I think Bravo knows exactly what it’s doing – no secrets here – with the Manzo father found in his trunk anyone who thought it would be different from then on is just stupid
I agree daisymay. I’m sure Bravo knew exactly what they were getting when they hired the Manzos.(and everyone else with some juicy skeletons in their closet). What better way is there to unearth a political secret, than to showcase the family that has the connections. In hopes of something big being revealed they hired the Manzos. I understand Kerik was big news at the time. Bravo now has potential fallout on two fronts; more bad press for Kerik if the Manzos fu** up, and criminal ties for the Manzos (filmed no less) if anyone accuses them of hurting a business venture ala Albert being able to “destroy” juicy. All of this fell into Bravos lap by one simple friendship, the Manzos and B. Kerik. Think of it like the Enquirer being the “journalistic source” that ended up being first to bust John Edwards. A fluff piece of hearsay on a gossip rag. With the ties some of these super wealthy and/or prominent housewives have who knows what might be brought to light because of their hubris. Remember the Salahi debacle. That exposed lax security at its highest and most visible level possible. Brought to you will full behind the scenes filmed footage……… courtesy of Bravo.
*with* not will.
The Manzos code word…FEBUS..The rules of society don’t apply to these folks.
They believed they were bigger than bravo.. untouchable. Same arrogance tha brought down John Gotti. What bothers me more, is that this wont make a difference to people. All the dirty skeletons fall out of these peoples closets and it doesnt seem to make a difference in anything. Are people afraid to write about it?
Very interesting. I did not know any of this. It sure puts things into perspective….the way certain people get jobs over other, more qualified candidates. And when fraudsters hire fraudsters just to keep it in the family, we all lose. I can’t stand TAKERS.
I think that might be the best pick of Carowhine i’ve ever seen — she needs to get that cut and color again and her makeup looked great. She actually looks pretty good in the mug pic
You mean Caroline, right?
Anyone who brags about being Kerik’s “best friend” on national TV is a shady character!!! I would keep the bit of information to myself.., It is NOTHING to brag about! Trust me, Kerik, and the skells in his circle, are corrupt SOBs! (My husband is a retired New York City police officer… I am not to bring up Kerik’s name around him… unless I want to listen to him rant for an hour or so! lol)
HDGurl I just now saw this article on GLHs Twitter. This morning I posted on the Laurita’s Fraud Case and included this NY Post article link regarding Manzo & Kerik. Somehow didn’t see this article. ( there are a few there lol ) you may want to see it. THANKS AGAIN BORIS & NATASHA.
http://www.nypost.com/p/news/local/kerik_celeb_pen_pals_vcefgNVWuvy3ZkJHBtfxIK
Thanks Tecca, this is great!
Didn’t Carowhine say with her twisted up just ate a lemon face when talking about Teresa in her Talking Head during the big fight the last night in Napa “You hang out with garbage,you start to stink and I am starting to stink.” She has some sayings doesn’t she? Tre isn’t Carowhine’s garbage problem kinda the other way around.
I just read the article about this guy. He has a lot of friends and I was surprised about Stallone. It makes me wonder just what Caroline meant about Albert Sr going to do to Joe (Teresa’s husband), makes you wonder just what type of power this man has. Is it mob related? Also, why does Bravo keep this family on television with these types of behaviors and connections and the fraud. They should pay the money back
First, this is the best thing Gov. Christie ever did, calling them on their bullshit. Second, Albie is the “slow son” that got kicked out of law school, now these fools want him to work in law enforcement? LMAO, No thank you!!!!!! Fat Albert always seemed sneaky as all hell to me. He sits/sleeps around like he’s the quiet mafia don or somebody, and he’s too good to be bothered with filming. He’s a total waste of tape.
The Manzo boys are lazy and as long as mommy and daddy keep treating them like the babies that they are, they will never be successful men. What is going to happen is they’re going to get them jobs that will wind their asses in jail!!!!
But I’m sure Fat Albert thinks he could prevail upon his *friends* to clear the matter up.
Remember this little sit down between Doncarowhine and Danielle. Go to the 3:40 mark and when Danielle asks about all of Caro’s friends under indictments it shut Carowhine up fast she sits for there stares her down and swallows hard tries to gain her composure then turns it around or tries to real fast to end it by going on her typical name calling “garbage” schtick. Amazing how watching this now compared to back then you see it in a different light.
http://www.bravotv.com/the-real-housewives-of-new-jersey/season-2/videos/caroline-and-danielle-showdown
While it was great to see Albert have to resign I think he should of been required to repay all the benefits he used while receiving health care. He committed fraud to receive them and I think he should have been punished to some degree. Every family member that went to a doctor while insured on his policy should have to put on the orange vest and pick up trash on the highway.lol. what a sight that would be. Being paid minimum wage(but not given the money) and working hourly for however many hours it takes to reimbuse the state for their deception.or better yet, given Chris’ love for carwashes, have them wash city/county vehicles until the debt is paid off.
100% agree with you. Albert said when all this went down that all his pay went into a separate bank acct and that he was going to take that money and donate it to a charity. I wonder if he ever did. A case of FEBUS. I believe he got his lapband, Carowhine got her lapband after season 2 filmed and before season 2 reunion because when she came out she said she lost 25 lbs since filming and also since she admitted to her tummy tuck IIRC she said in 1998(?) possibly that too. I don’t know how long Albert was on the Water Commission but yes they should be made to pay back all the benefits they used under the State Health Ins. Hopefully he will NEVER EVER get a Sheriff or Commissioner to go along with him and one of his shady deals in the future. You know when Christy retires or is no longer Governor, Albert is going to go into full speed. I wonder if “the apt” that Carowhine and Lapband Lauren have together has anything to do with a future endeavor not just living there.
I have been wondering about the move to an apt in Hoboken myself. I have read on another site that the Brownstone is re- mortgaged to the hilt putting the Manzos in a financial bind. (Tommy’s million dollar wedding to Dina for a TV show “My Big fat something wedding”). If Caroline knew she wasn’t coming back for season 5 then downsizing to an apt might ease the burden of a large mortgage payment. Proceeds from the sale of their home, if there are any in this market, might help keep the Brownstone stay afloat. The apt above the Bstone could then be used believeably because of the extended commute. I just can’t see
leaving a newish large beautiful home in the suburbs
For an apt in Hoboken to be closer to her boys. I know its a convenient excuse, but it makes absolutely no common sense. Albert may indulge Caroline’s iron clad apron strings, but I don’t see him uprooting himself to appease her. There has to be more to it. That’s what makes me think it is a financial necessity. If she planned to hang on for one more season an apt won’t put her in a home “fancy” enough and the distance away from the other Hws makes interaction harder to believe. I think she wants off the show because her financial plight is going to be obvious and her children’s business ventures are failing miserably. She doesn’t want any of that on film. She won’t give Teresa the satisfaction og wearing a cheshire cat grin for a whole season of filming. No way, no how. Please disregard anything below this point, typing on a kindle is maddening!!.
for
y
for t tofor an apt in Hoboken unless you had to. The joke about Caroline moving there to be closer to the boys just doesn’t fly with me. It
Not to mention that Bravo chose several housewives facing possible bankruptcies. They have footage of lavish parties and vacations and such that might cause some of those housewives to shudder. Footage of the Lauritas’ cars, furnishings and the clothes and jewelry that Jax wears. I remember being disgusted at an episode of RHONJ that showed Chris Laurita at a store picking up some junk food for the poker game at his house. The bill came to more than $500! Chris just opened his wallet and started counting out $100s like you or I would count out $1s. He spent my entire MONTHLY grocery budget for a family of 5- including three teenagers on snacks for a few guys playing poker for a few hours! Really? And he carried it out- didn’t even need a cart. I better need at least 3 carts filled to overflowing, including the racks underneath and the child seat folded up if I spent that much on food!
I couldn’t get the video to play for me but thank you for posting the link