In a shocking display of greed and deceit, 46-year-old Hoboken resident Yezenia Castillo has admitted to running a massive fraud scheme that targeted over 100 non-profit organizations in New Jersey, including private schools and religious institutions.
According to records, Castillo falsely claimed to be a certified public accountant (CPA) who could provide various financial and accounting services to non-profits, but in reality, she was a master thief who preyed on the trust of her clients.
Castillo’s scheme, which lasted from 2012 to 2021, involved collecting fees from non-profits for services she never performed, transferring client funds to herself without authorization, and even collecting taxes on behalf of her clients, only to pocket the money for herself.
It is estimated that Castillo’s scheme resulted in financial losses totaling over $1.5 million for the affected non-profits.
Castillo pleaded guilty to one count of wire fraud and one count of tax evasion, charges that carry a maximum potential penalty of 20 years in prison and a $250,000 fine, or twice the gross gain or loss from the offense, whichever is greatest.
The investigation into Castillo’s scheme was led by the FBI, with assistance from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, Office of the Inspector General, and the IRS – Criminal Investigation.
Castillo is scheduled to be sentenced on August 7, 2023, and faces a lengthy prison term for her crimes.
Related Federal Cases
- Ricardo Reid, Mail and Wire Fraud Conspiracy, New Jersey 2024 · Virginia
- Michael Conway, Wire Fraud, New Jersey 2016 · Pennsylvania
- Jeffrey Phares, Cemetery Fraud, West Virginia, 2023 · Virginia
- Irina Segal, Medicare Fraud, Bucks County PA, 2023 · Pennsylvania
- Irina Segal, Medicare Fraud, Philadelphia PA, 2023 · Pennsylvania
Key Facts
- State: New Jersey
- Category: White Collar Crime|Fraud & Financial Crimes
- Source: DOJ Press Release â†â€â€
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