Woman sentenced after orchestrating prolonged fraud scheme targeting multiple businesses
Evansville, Indiana – A New Jersey woman who exploited her workplace authority to siphon nearly half a million dollars from businesses across multiple states has been sentenced in federal court. Marsha L. Jester, 69, of Phillipsburg, New Jersey, received a sentence of one and a half years in federal prison, followed by two years of supervised release, after pleading guilty to wire fraud. She has also been ordered to pay $231,589 in restitution.
Federal prosecutors said Jester carried out a prolonged scheme spanning several years while working in positions that entrusted her with overseeing daily operations and vendor transactions.
Fraud scheme built on fake vendors and false invoices
According to court documents, Jester stole nearly $500,000 over a seven-year period by exploiting her roles with companies that relied on her to manage purchasing and vendor relationships. Investigators said she created fictitious vendors, fabricated invoices, and falsified records in order to divert company funds for her own use.
From 2019 through 2022, Jester worked for a New Jersey-based business that places Site Managers at client locations to oversee daily operations. Although the managers were employed by the service provider, they worked on-site at client businesses and were responsible for sourcing products, approving invoices, and acting as liaisons between vendors and clients.
In September 2021, Jester was assigned as a Site Manager for a food service provider in Evansville, Indiana. The role provided broad authority to facilitate and report transactions between the client and its vendors — authority prosecutors say she used to orchestrate fraud.
Jester created a fictitious vendor named “Global Solutions, Inc.” and submitted invoices claiming the company delivered goods to the client. In reality, no products were provided. To conceal the fraud, she entered fake inventory into the system, making the transactions appear legitimate. Her employer paid the invoices and then billed the Evansville client for the same amount, plus an added markup.
While working at the Evansville site, Jester submitted 13 fraudulent invoices totaling $87,356.31. After payments were made to Global Solutions, she accessed the funds through the company’s Square account and used the money for personal expenses. Records showed purchases at Target, QVC, Massage Envy, IV Therapy Solutions, and Nail Gallery, along with expenses related to a trip to Atlantic City, New Jersey.
Nearly half a million dollars stolen across multiple businesses
Prosecutors presented evidence that Jester stole a total of $489,489.54 from five businesses while serving as a Site Manager. Over the course of the scheme, she submitted 119 fraudulent invoices through Global Solutions and another sham business called “Master Products Company.”
Officials said the scheme relied on trust and access, allowing fraudulent transactions to be processed without immediate detection.
“Marsha Jester abused her position of trust to orchestrate a calculated and prolonged fraud scheme,” said Tom Wheeler, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Indiana. “Her actions not only betrayed the companies that relied on her integrity, but also undermined the systems designed to protect them. This office remains committed to holding accountable those who exploit their access for personal gain.”
Federal investigators emphasized that financial crimes can cause deep harm even when the wrongdoing is not immediately visible.
“Fraud may seem invisible, but its effects are real and damaging. This case demonstrates the consequences of exploiting trust for personal gain,” said FBI Indianapolis Special Agent in Charge Timothy J. O’Malley. “The FBI remains committed to pursuing those who commit fraud to ensure they are held accountable.”
The Federal Bureau of Investigation conducted the investigation, and U.S. District Judge Matthew P. Brookman imposed the sentence. Assistant U.S. Attorney Matthew B. Miller prosecuted the case.
Authorities say the case serves as a reminder that positions of trust can be exploited and that oversight and accountability remain critical safeguards. The sentencing brings closure to a scheme that lasted years and affected multiple businesses, reinforcing federal efforts to pursue fraud and protect organizations from financial exploitation.
