Man Indicted In Violent 2017 Holmdel Home Invasion Of RHONJ Star

FREEHOLD, NJ — A Bayonne man has been indicted in the violent 2017 home invasion robbery of "Real Housewives Of New Jersey" star Claudine "Dina" Manzo and her then-fiance David Cantin in Holmdel, the Monmouth County prosecutor's office announced Monday.

James Mainello, 51, of Bayonne, was indicted 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, Prosecutor Christopher Gramiccioni announced.

Mainello was arrested in May in connection with the incident, which happened May 13, 2017. Manzo, then 45, and Cantin, then 37, arrived home at their townhouse on Banyan Boulevard and were confronted by two men who were in the house, the prosecutor's office said.

One man hit Cantin several times with a baseball bat while the other punched Manzo repeatedly. The couple then was tied up and the attackers stole cash and jewelry then ran away.

Cantin was able to free himself and called police, and he and Manzo were taken to the hospital for treatment. Cantin suffered significant facial injuries, including a broken nose, and Manzo was treated for facial injuries. Both were treated and released that night, prosecutors said.

The second attacker remains at large, the prosecutor's office said.

Mainello is being held at the Monmouth County jail in Freehold Township. He faces up to 20 years in prison if convicted.

Anyone with additional information about this case is asked to contact Detective Wayne Raynor of the Monmouth County Prosecutor’s Office at 1-800-533-7443, or Detective Eric Hernando of the Holmdel Police Department at 732-946-4400.

Those who want to remain anonymous can contact Monmouth County Crime Stoppers' confidential telephone tip-line; call 1-800-671-4400; text “MONMOUTH” plus the tip to 274637; or send an email a tip via the website at www.monmouthcountycrimestoppers.com. Monmouth County Crime Stoppers will pay up to $5,000 for information leading to the arrest of criminals and fugitives.