By: Richard L. Smith
A Bergen County woman faces federal charges for allegedly destroying evidence related to an ongoing real estate fraud investigation.
Jennifer Iturralde Pina, 43, of Franklin Lakes was charged with one count of destruction of records, according to the Department of Justice.
U.S. Attorney Philip R. Sellinger announced the charge, and Iturralde appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge André M. Espinosa in Newark federal court.
She was released on a $200,000 bond.
Court documents reveal that Iturralde’s husband, Cesar Humberto Pina, also known as “Flipping NJ,” was previously charged in October 2023 with wire fraud in a real estate investment fraud scheme.
Following her husband's release on bond, Iturralde reportedly learned that a witness had provided evidence to authorities.
Shortly afterward, she allegedly asked a friend to discourage the witness from cooperating with the government.
In early March 2024, federal agents secured search warrants for two of Iturralde’s phones, which they believed were connected to both the fraud scheme and efforts to dissuade the witness.
A warrant was also issued for the phone of the friend involved. On March 3, Iturralde reportedly attempted to hide one of her phones at the friend's home but was unsuccessful.
Two days later, upon learning that law enforcement had seized the friend’s phone, Iturralde allegedly destroyed one of her own phones as agents arrived at her residence to execute the warrant.
The charge of destruction of records carries severe penalties, including a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison and a fine of up to $250,000 or twice the financial gain or loss resulting from the offense.
The investigation remains ongoing.
