Franklin Lakes Woman Indicted for Destroying Evidence in Husband’s Federal Fraud Probe

Jennifer Iturralde Pina allegedly obstructed a federal investigation into a real estate investment scheme by hiding and destroying a phone during a law enforcement search.

A Bergen County woman has been indicted for allegedly destroying evidence during a federal investigation into her husband’s suspected real estate investment fraud, U.S. Attorney Alina Habba announced. Jennifer Iturralde Pina, 43, of Franklin Lakes, was charged with one count of destruction of records in a federal investigation.

According to federal court documents, Iturralde Pina deliberately destroyed her cell phone on March 5, 2024, as federal agents arrived at her home to execute a warrant to seize and search the device. This action occurred amid an ongoing investigation into her husband, Cesar Humberto Pina, known as “Flipping NJ,” who was previously charged in October 2023 with wire fraud related to an alleged investment scam.

Federal prosecutors allege that Iturralde Pina, fully aware of the ongoing investigation, attempted to interfere with its progress in multiple ways. In February 2024, she allegedly instructed a friend to persuade a witness to stop cooperating with law enforcement. Shortly thereafter, she attempted to hand over her phone to that same friend, who declined to accept it. Within days, when agents came to seize the phone, she reportedly destroyed and concealed it.

The charge of destruction of records in a federal investigation carries a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison and a fine of up to $250,000—or twice the amount of any financial gain or loss related to the offense, whichever is greater.

Iturralde Pina was initially charged by complaint and made her first court appearance in November 2024 before U.S. Magistrate Judge André M. Espinosa in Newark. The indictment formalizes the federal government’s charges against her.

The investigation is being conducted by the FBI, IRS-Criminal Investigation, the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, and special agents from the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of New Jersey. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Carolyn Silane and Aaron Webman of the Economic Crimes Unit, along with Marko Pesce, Deputy Chief of the Bank Integrity, Money Laundering, and Recovery Unit.

Charges against Cesar Pina remain pending. Both defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.