By: Najla Alexander
Authorities in Ocean County announced that on July 1, 2024, Dona Carlo-Tanzola, 51, of Manahawkin, pled guilty to Theft before the Honorable Kimarie Rahill, J.S.C., relative to her former employment as an administrative assistant with the engineering firm Horn, Tyson & Yoder, Inc.
Ocean County Prosecutor Bradley D. Billhimer said at the time of her sentencing on August 30, 2024, the State would be recommending a term of five years in New Jersey State Prison as well as restitution in the amount of $139,698.56.
Officials stated that an investigation by the Long Beach Township Police Department revealed that between May 2022 and November 2022, Carlo-Tanzola, through her employment with Horn, Tyson & Yoder, took checks made payable to the business and deposited them into her personal bank accounts for her own personal benefit.
In an attempt to cover up her theft, officials say, Carlo-Tanzola edited the business’s financial records by deleting paid invoices in client accounts - despite the firm having received payments for services rendered.
In total, officials said that Carlo-Tanzola diverted dozens of checks totaling $178,774.35.
Authorities say after being confronted with the theft, Carlo-Tanzola made partial restitution.
According to officials, on January 9, 2023, Carlo-Tanzola was arrested by Officers from the Long Beach Township Police Department without incident.
She was processed and served with the charges via summons pending appearances in Ocean County Superior Court, officials say.