A Hawthorne, New Jersey man pleaded guilty Thursday in federal court to embezzling more than $3 million from a couple who had employed him as a personal assistant, the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of New Jersey announced.
Charles Gallo, 34, admitted to one count of wire fraud during a plea hearing before U.S. District Judge Julien X. Neals in Newark. The charge stems from a scheme in which Gallo misappropriated approximately $3.2 million from the victims between March 2022 and March 2023, using his access to their financial and personal information.
Gallo began working for the victims in 2018, managing their monthly bills and providing assistance with banking, email, and other technology-related matters. Prosecutors said Gallo abused this position of trust by systematically draining their finances through a range of unauthorized methods.
Court documents show that Gallo used the couple’s ATM card to make large cash withdrawals, opened a line of credit in their names, and deposited checks into accounts under his control. He also made personal purchases using their credit cards, acquiring gaming systems, computer equipment, collectible items, and other goods.
The wire fraud charge carries a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison and a fine of up to $250,000, or twice the gross financial gain or loss resulting from the crime. Sentencing is scheduled for September 10, 2025.
Assistant exploited financial access for personal gain
Federal investigators detailed a year-long pattern of deceit by Gallo, who leveraged his role to access the victims’ accounts and execute unauthorized financial transactions. U.S. Attorney Alina Habba stated that Gallo’s conduct represented a severe betrayal of trust and an egregious abuse of his position.
The scheme unraveled after discrepancies in financial records prompted a review of account activity. Authorities have not disclosed whether any restitution has been made or if the victims will pursue civil recovery in addition to the criminal case.
Gallo remains free on bond pending sentencing.
Prosecutors said the case highlights the risks of unchecked access to sensitive financial systems, even among seemingly trusted individuals.
A New Jersey assistant turned a position of trust into a personal fortune—now he faces decades behind bars for a $3.2 million fraud.
