Passaic County Bookkeeper Pleads Guilty to Embezzling Client Funds

Richard Winter admits to wire fraud and tax evasion, facing decades in prison for misappropriating funds from his bookkeeping clients.

Newark, NJ: Richard Winter, a 53-year-old from Pompton Lakes, Passaic County, confessed to his involvement in a fraudulent scheme, embezzling substantial funds from his bookkeeping clients, as announced by U.S. Attorney Philip R. Sellinger.

Appearing before U.S. District Judge Esther Salas in Newark federal court, Winter pleaded guilty to one count each of wire fraud and tax evasion. Court documents and statements reveal that between January 2016 and December 2019, Winter executed a scheme to misappropriate hundreds of thousands of dollars. He utilized bank wire transfers, manipulated online payment portals, and issued checks to himself from his clients' accounts. Additionally, Winter failed to report this illicit income on tax returns from 2016 through 2019.

The wire fraud charge against Winter carries a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison and a $250,000 fine or double the gross gain or loss, whichever is higher. The tax evasion charge could result in up to five years in prison and a $100,000 fine, or twice the gross gain or loss. His sentencing is set for July 9, 2024.

The investigation that led to Winter’s guilty plea was a collaborative effort by the U.S. Postal Inspection Service in Newark, led by Inspector in Charge Christopher A. Nielsen of the Philadelphia Division, and IRS-Criminal Investigation agents under Special Agent in Charge Tammy Tomlins in Newark.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Shontae D. Gray of the Economic Crimes Unit in Newark is representing the government in this case. This guilty plea highlights the seriousness of financial crimes and the commitment of law enforcement agencies to pursue justice in cases involving financial malfeasance and tax evasion.