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
Ad: Save every day with Amazon Deals: Check out today's daily deals on Amazon.
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.