Hoboken Woman Receives Five-Year Sentence for Defrauding Schools, Non-Profits of $1.5 Million

Scheme Targeted Over 100 Organizations Including Schools and Religious Bodies

Newark, NJ - In a significant sentencing that underscores the legal system's stance against financial crimes, Yezenia Castillo, a 47-year-old resident of Hoboken, New Jersey, has been sentenced to five years in prison. 

The sentence, handed down by U.S. District Judge Susan D. Wigenton, comes from Castillo's involvement in a fraud scheme that resulted in over $1.5 million stolen from more than 100 victims, predominantly non-profit organizations, private schools, and religious institutions across New Jersey.

Castillo, who falsely represented herself as a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) capable of providing various financial and accounting services, admitted to charges of wire fraud and tax evasion. 

Despite her claims, Castillo was not a CPA and failed to deliver the promised services. Instead, she devised multiple methods to embezzle funds from her clients, including charging for non-rendered services and unauthorized fund transfers to her personal accounts. 

Additionally, Castillo collected funds under the guise of paying client taxes but retained these amounts, further using falsified receipts to cover her tracks.

The fallout from Castillo's actions extends beyond the substantial financial loss, affecting over 100 entities that rely on every dollar to serve their communities. 

The court's order for Castillo to pay $3.25 million in restitution and forfeiture reflects the scale of her deception and the impact on the victims involved.

This case was brought to a close through the diligent efforts of the FBI, the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development - Office of the Inspector General, and the IRS - Criminal Investigation, highlighting the collaborative effort of federal agencies to combat financial fraud. 

U.S. Attorney Philip R. Sellinger, along with Assistant U.S. Attorney Blake Coppotelli of the U.S. Attorney’s Office Economic Crimes Unit, led the prosecution, emphasizing the commitment to protecting public and private entities from predatory financial practices.

The sentencing marks a pivotal moment for the victims involved and serves as a deterrent to those considering exploiting the trust of non-profit organizations and other institutions critical to the fabric of communities across New Jersey and beyond.