Bookkeeper admits to stealing $4 million from New Jersey trucking company
A significant fraud case has emerged involving a New Jersey trucking company owner accused of orchestrating a multi-year scheme that defrauded companies of over $4 million. Jose Pena, 46, of Monroe Township, allegedly manipulated billing processes and submitted invoices for services and deliveries that never occurred, primarily targeting retail giant Williams-Sonoma Inc. and another logistics company referred to as “Company-1.” The fraudulent activities are said to have taken place from mid-2018 through late 2020, involving not only deceitful billing but also corrupt practices, including kickbacks to co-conspirators
Pena’s scheme reportedly involved enlisting the help of accomplices by providing substantial kickbacks, such as monetary payouts, a luxurious Rolex watch, and an expensive SUV, to ensure cooperation in manipulating billing requests. An internal audit eventually uncovered the extensive fraud, leading to the termination of Pena’s contracts with the affected companies. Despite this, Pena allegedly continued his fraudulent activities by disguising his vested interests in another logistics carrier, resulting in an additional $1 million in losses to Williams-Sonoma by June 2024
Two former employees of Company-1, Raymond DeLeon and Cintia Elaxcar, have admitted their involvement in the scheme. DeLeon, a former operations general manager, and Elaxcar, a billing and dispatch manager, pleaded guilty to conspiracy charges in January 2025. They received substantial bribes for submitting fraudulent billing requests, contributing to the overall losses incurred by the companies involved.
Pena faces serious legal consequences, including potential imprisonment and substantial fines, as the investigation into the full extent of the fraudulent activities continues.
source:logisticscurated.com
