The Hudson County Prosecutor’s Office Special Investigations Unit has charged three individuals, including two former union officials from the United Production Workers (UPW) Union Local 17-18 out of Brooklyn, with the theft in excess of $50,000 of pension funds for workers at two Hudson County factories.
Officials say Francisco Jara, a former business representative for the union, and Elkin Garcia, a former shop steward, as well as Marta Garay, are charged with cashing pension loan checks and retaining a portion of the funds.
The theft, which occurred on various dates between June of 2017 and July of 2019, was in the amount of more than $50,000 of pension funds for employees working at Star Snacks Company in Jersey City and/or Gel Spice Company in Bayonne.
Jara, 63, of Brooklyn, has been charged with Theft by Deception, Theft by Unlawful Taking and Conspiracy.
According to officials, Garcia, 55, of Bayonne, has been charged with Theft by Deception and Conspiracy a crime of the third degree.
Hudson County officials say, Marta Garay, 52, of Brooklyn, has been charged with Theft by Unlawful Taking and Conspiracy.
All three individuals are scheduled to have their first court appearance at 1 p.m. on July 7, 2020 in Central Judicial Processing Court at 595 Newark Avenue in Jersey City.
Prosecutor Suarez credited the Hudson County Prosecutor’s Office HCPO Special Investigations Unit with the investigation.