Newton Man Receives Five-Year Prison Term for International Email Scam

AG’s Office Reports $1.2 Million in Stolen Funds Through Fake Businesses and Online Deception

A 64-year-old Newton resident will serve five years in state prison after admitting his role in an international business email compromise (BEC) scheme that netted over $1.2 million in stolen funds. Attorney General Matthew J. Platkin and the Office of Securities Fraud and Financial Crimes Prosecutions (OSFFCP) announced the sentencing of Robert Herburger Jr. following his guilty pleas to multiple charges, including receiving stolen property.

Herburger’s sentence, handed down by Superior Court Judge Stuart A. Minkowitz at the Sussex County Judicial Center in Newton, includes a 12-month period of parole ineligibility. He previously pleaded guilty to receiving stolen property (2nd degree), unlawful possession of an assault rifle (2nd degree), and certain persons not to possess weapons (3rd degree).

“Herburger flouted the law by enabling overseas bad actors to deceive and victimize American companies and by possessing a firearm that he was legally prohibited from having,” said Attorney General Platkin. “The court’s sentence illustrates that colluding with scammers is not a viable way of earning a living, and will not be tolerated in our state. Individuals who cheat our business community will face serious consequences.”

According to investigators, between November 3, 2017, and July 5, 2018, Herburger took part in a scheme known as business email compromise, or BEC. In these scams, suspects pose as a trusted source via email to trick employees of businesses and organizations into paying for nonexistent services or divulging private, sensitive data. Herburger admitted to incorporating fictitious businesses and opening associated bank accounts to receive stolen funds. He received a total of $1,210,377 from various BEC schemes originating overseas, targeting multiple U.S.-based entities. After funneling the stolen money into accounts he controlled, he then wired the funds overseas, keeping a portion for himself.

The investigation led detectives to identify ten victimized business entities—including law firms, retailers, financial service providers, and private companies—that suffered losses connected to five bank accounts opened and managed by Herburger. In addition to financial crimes, Herburger acknowledged that at the time of his arrest, he unlawfully possessed an assault rifle and was prohibited from owning firearms due to his prior criminal history.

“This defendant is being held accountable after taking a cut of money stolen from businesses through fraud,” said OSFFCP Legal Chief Pablo Quiñones. “My office is committed to ensuring that white-collar criminals face justice and to helping victims recover what they lost.”

Authorities have not released further details about Herburger’s previous convictions or the identity of the international parties involved. 

With sentencing now complete, New Jersey law enforcement agencies continue to emphasize vigilance and security measures to combat ongoing cyber fraud schemes.