It started quietly—just a few checks here and there. Maybe no one would notice. After all, she was trusted. But behind the doors of a Union County synagogue, where worshippers gathered for prayer, something far more human—and far more complicated—was unfolding. A New Jersey woman recently pleaded guilty to wire fraud for embezzling over $350,000 from the synagogue where she was the office manager and bookkeeper. She faces up to 20 years in prison and a $250,000 fine when she is sentenced on July 22.

At the Lento Law Firm, we handle all types of criminal cases, including embezzlement. The Lento Law Firm Criminal Defense Team tells your side of the story. Contact us here or at 888.535.3686 for help with your situation.

First Things First

If you are questioned about any type of crime, do not say anything, not even to claim your innocence. Request an attorney right away. They have to give one to you.

Let's Talk Defenses

Embezzlement stands out because it involves a fiduciary—someone trusted to manage another person's property—breaking that trust and taking what isn't theirs. That's what makes it different from basic larceny or shoplifting.

But sometimes, embezzlement is a misunderstanding or bad accounting. And sometimes, yeah—someone moved money around and now regrets it. But no matter what happened, if you're facing charges, you have defenses.

• You Didn't Mean to Steal: Intent matters. Embezzlement is a specific intent crime, meaning the prosecution has to prove you meant to take money and never give it back. Maybe you were covering a shortfall, moving funds temporarily, or thought you had approval.
• You Had Permission (Even If It Wasn't in Writing): Sometimes, what starts as “you're authorized to handle the books” turns into “you stole from us.” Office politics change, leadership changes, and suddenly, your authority gets rewritten in hindsight. If you had permission—explicit or implied—we bring that to light.
• You're the Scapegoat: Shared access? Shared responsibility. But when money goes missing, organizations often need someone to blame fast. If others had access to the accounts or records, we dig into that.
• Illegal Search or Seizure: Did investigators go through your home, phone, or computer without a warrant? Did they access your bank accounts without proper legal authority? If they did, we can move to suppress that evidence. No evidence, no case.
• Coerced Statements: Were you pressured into confessing? Told not to call a lawyer? Promised leniency if you just “explained what happened”? If law enforcement crossed the line during questioning, we'll challenge them.

A solid defense starts with one thing—digging into the details.

Charged with Embezzlement? The Lento Law Firm Has Your Back

We don't deal in judgment. We deal in strategy. And we know this is scary. If the charges are bogus, we'll make that apparent. And, even if you made a mistake, you may be eligible for pretrial intervention if it's your first time. The Lento Law Firm Criminal Defense Team will find the best possible resolution. Call us at 888.535.3686or fill out our confidential consultation form.