A man from Passaic County, New Jersey, has confessed to embezzling $3.2 million from a New Jersey couple. U.S. Attorney Alina Habba confirmed the admission by Charles Gallo, 34, of Hawthorne. The plea was entered before U.S. District Judge Julien X. Neals in Newark federal court, where Gallo faced charges of wire fraud.
Gallo began his employment in 2018 as a part-time personal assistant for the victims. His responsibilities included managing their bills and offering help with banking, email, and other technology-related tasks. From March 2022 to March 2023, Gallo exploited this trust. His fraudulent activities included withdrawing large sums using the victims' ATM card, opening a line of credit in their name, and writing checks payable to himself. Additionally, he used their credit cards for unauthorized purchases of personal items such as computer equipment, gaming systems, and collectibles from online retailers.
The wire fraud charge that Gallo faces has a maximum penalty of 20 years imprisonment and a $250,000 fine, or double the amount of the financial gain or loss. Sentencing is set for September 10, 2025.
The investigation was led by the U.S. Postal Inspection Service in Newark, the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of New Jersey, and involved the cooperation of the Ridgewood and Hawthorne police departments. Assistant U.S. Attorney Shontae D. Gray of the Economic Crimes Unit is representing the government.
Defense for Charles Gallo is being provided by Dennis S. Clearly, Esq., based in West Orange, New Jersey.
