Howell woman pleads guilty to $4 million theft and tax fraud after years of embezzlement
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Howell woman pleads guilty to $4 million theft and tax fraud after years of embezzlement

by
April 14, 2025
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Longtime bookkeeper admits to years of theft

MONMOUTH COUNTY, NJ – Jeanette Avellan entered a guilty plea before Monmouth County Superior Court Judge Natalie S. Watson, admitting to second-degree theft of movable property, third-degree failure to pay income taxes, and third-degree filing of a fraudulent tax return.

Avellan worked for West End Express Co. in South Brunswick since 2005 and was responsible for managing the company’s finances. Between January 2017 and January 2023, she stole approximately $4 million and used the funds to support a gambling habit.

Unreported income and false tax filings exposed

In addition to the theft, Avellan admitted that she knowingly filed false tax returns, failed to report the stolen income, and did not pay taxes owed during the tax years 2019 through 2021. Authorities said she attempted to conceal her theft through these fraudulent filings.

Under the terms of the plea agreement, she will pay $4.03 million in restitution to her employer and $559,919 to the New Jersey Division of Taxation for back taxes, penalties, and interest.

Sentencing set for May in state tax and theft case

Avellan is scheduled to be sentenced on May 9, 2025, before Superior Court Judge Henry P. Butehorn in Monmouth County. The state is recommending a sentence of four years in state prison.

The case was prosecuted by the Division of Criminal Justice Casino Prosecution Unit with assistance from the New Jersey State Police and Division of Taxation.

Chris Quigley

Chris Quigley

Chris Quigley is a Staff Writer and Community News Correspondent for Shore News Network, where she covers local government, public safety, community affairs, politics, and issues impacting residents throughout New Jersey. Her reporting focuses on delivering timely, accurate, and relevant news that helps readers stay informed about the communities in which they live and work.

As a member of the Shore News Network editorial team, Quigley works closely with public officials, community leaders, first responders, and local organizations to provide factual coverage of breaking news, municipal government, public policy, and events affecting New Jersey residents. Her work highlights both major developments and the local stories that shape communities across the state.

Quigley is committed to responsible journalism, emphasizing accuracy, source verification, and transparency in every story she reports. She strives to present information in a clear and accessible manner, helping readers better understand the issues, decisions, and events that impact their daily lives.

Through her work at Shore News Network, Chris Quigley contributes to the organization's mission of providing trusted local news coverage, accountability reporting, and community-focused journalism throughout New Jersey.

Chris Quigley is a graduate of Stockton State University and began her career at IN Jersey, the online news and media branch of the Asbury Park Press. She also worked at Monmouth Internet, the Ocean Signal Newspaper, and JTOWN Magazine during her career in both content management and operations.

Degrees: Business B.A. - Stockton University

Experience and interests: Criminal Justice, Business, Animal Care, Entertainment, Lottery News, Local News