Prosecutors Say Bookkeeper in New Jersey Stole $1.7M in Check Fraud Scheme

Federal prosecutors say a bookkeeper for a northern New Jersey company stole $1.7 million from the firm by writing herself fraudulent company checks.

Tammy Martinez was arrested Thursday and charged with bank fraud. She was due to make her initial court appearance later in the day, and it wasn’t known if she’s retained an attorney.

The 46-year-old South Amboy woman was an office manager and bookkeeper for a Newark-based firm.

Starting in January 2014, prosecutors say she used her position to issue fraudulent company checks made payable to herself or cash and forged the signature of her manager on the checks. Martinez then converted the checks into cash at bank branches in New Jersey.

Martinez faces up to 30 years in prison if convicted on the bank fraud charge.