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An Arrest Has Been Made in Dina Manzo's Home Invasion Case (UPDATED)
The Real Housewives of New Jersey alum's home was robbed in May 2017.
UPDATE (JULY 22, 3:52 p.m.): According to Page Six, on Monday (July 22), the suspect, James Mainello, was indicted by a grand jury on charges of first-degree robbery, second-degree burglary, second-degree aggravated assault, third-degree aggravated assault, third-degree theft, third-degree possession of a weapon for an unlawful purpose, and third-degree criminal restraint, according to the Monmouth County Prosecutor’s Office press release.
According to the press release, the suspect faces up to 20 years behind bars if convicted of a first-degree crime, as well as five to 10 years if convicted of a second-degree crime. The third-degree charges carry terms of three to five years behind bars.
“My client maintains his innocence and looks forward to his day in court,” Mainello’s lawyer told Page Six. “He is not guilty and will be seen as such when facts come to light.”
The original story continues below.
An arrest has been made in the home invasion case involving Dina Manzo from May 2017.
James Mainello, a 51-year-old male from New Jersey, is in police custody and faces multiple charges for his alleged role in the incident, the Monmouth County Prosecutor's Office announced Friday, May 3. Mainello has been charged with first degree robbery; second degree robbery; second degree burglary; second degree aggravated assault; two counts of third degree aggravated assault; third degree theft; third degree possession of a weapon for an unlawful purpose; fourth degree unlawful possession of a weapon; and third degree criminal restraint.
Mainello was arrested on Friday morning at his home and is currently being held in the Monmouth County Correctional Institution in Freehold Township. He is expected to appear at the Monmouth County Superior Court sometime next week.
The arrest stems from an incident that took place on the night of May 13, 2017 when Dina and her then-boyfriend David Cantin walked into their Holmdel, New Jersey home to find two masked intruders. The robbers then rushed toward them before punching Dina and beating David with a baseball bat. Both Dina and David experienced facial injuries. David's nose was also broken. The robbers bound the couple together and took cash and jewelry before fleeing the home.
Dina and David's lawyer, Andrew Brettler, told TMZ that the couple thanks New Jersey law enforcement authorities, "whose diligent investigation over the last two years culminated in today’s arrest."
The couple added, "Thank you to everyone who has expressed concern for our well-being. We’ve had such a great support system."
