NEWARK, N.J. — A Bergen County woman has been indicted for destroying evidence during a federal investigation into her husband’s alleged real estate investment fraud scheme, U.S. Attorney Alina Habba announced Wednesday.
Jennifer Iturralde Pina, 43, of Franklin Lakes, was charged with one count of destruction of records in a federal investigation. Prosecutors say she destroyed a cell phone as federal agents attempted to execute a court-authorized warrant to seize and search the device.
Iturralde had previously appeared in federal court in Newark in November 2024 after being charged by complaint. According to court documents, her husband, Cesar Humberto Pina — also known as “Flipping NJ” — was charged in October 2023 with wire fraud in connection with a real estate investment scheme.
Federal authorities allege that Iturralde, knowing her husband was under investigation, attempted to obstruct the probe. In February 2024, she allegedly asked a friend to pressure a cooperating witness to stop communicating with investigators. She then attempted to hand her phone to that same friend for safekeeping, which the friend declined.
On March 5, 2024, as federal investigators arrived at her residence with a warrant, Iturralde destroyed and hid the phone, prosecutors say.
The destruction of records charge carries a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison and a $250,000 fine, or twice the gain or loss resulting from the offense, whichever is greater.
The investigation was led by the FBI, IRS-Criminal Investigation, U.S. Postal Inspection Service, and special agents from the U.S. Attorney’s Office. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Carolyn Silane, Aaron Webman, and Marko Pesce.
Authorities say the investigation into the broader real estate scheme remains ongoing.
