An Essex County accountant is facing criminal charges after authorities say he stole more than $1.6 million from a longtime client and the client’s two businesses, allegedly using some of the money for personal expenses like sports betting. New Jersey Acting Attorney General Jennifer Davenport and the Division of Criminal Justice announced the charges on January 28.
The defendant, Michael Delia, 61, of West Orange, is charged with two counts of second-degree theft by unlawful taking, one count of second-degree money laundering, and one count of second-degree failure to turn over collected taxes, state officials said.
The defendant in this case is accused of violating his trust as the accountant and bookkeeper for two companies, lining his pockets at their expense and at the expense of the people of New Jersey. Business owners should be able to trust their hired professionals. pic.twitter.com/Mmb7DuI11D…