HAWTHORNE, NJ – Passaic County Prosecutor Camelia M. Valdes announces the arrest of Nancy Williams, age 64, of Hawthorne, New Jersey.
Williams was arrested by members of the Financial Crimes Unit of the Passaic County Prosecutors Office. Williams is charged with Theft by Unlawful Taking (NJSA 2C:20-3) (second degree); Theft by Deception (NJSA 2C-20-4) (second degree); Misapplication of Entrusted Property (NJSA 2C:21-15) (second degree); and Money Laundering (NJSA 2C:20-25) (second degree).
The charges arise out of Nancy Williams’ administration of an estate as an Executor. Williams was responsible for distributing the assets of the estate to the beneficiary. Instead, Williams illegally took the assets of the estate and converted the assets to her own use.
Between August of 2016 and August 2018 Williams used over $75,000.00 in estate funds to pay for her personal expenses, credit card bills and entertainment expenses.
A second degree crime is punishable by five to ten years in New Jersey State prison. A criminal indictment is merely an accusation. Despite this accusation, the defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt. The defendant was charged on a summons and has been released pending disposition of the charges.