Long-Time Employee Steals $8M from NJ Trucking Firm Using Fake Company

Key Details Three people face charges for an $8 million theft and money laundering scheme targeting R. Roman Truck Leasing in Elizabeth, New Jersey. The investigation began in September 2025 after the small carrier reported that 27-year employee Alejandro Garcia had stolen approximately $2.5 million over five years. How the Scheme Worked Garcia allegedly used unauthorized checks, cash withdrawals, and payments to other employees to fund a lavish lifestyle. To hide the theft, he created a shadow company called Roman Truck Leasing Co. of NJ Corporation with a nearly identical name to his legitimate employer. Why It Matters This case exposes a critical vulnerability in fleet operations - the need for robust financial controls and oversight of employee access to company accounts. Even small carriers with just 14 drivers can become targets for insider theft schemes that span multiple years. What's Next Garcia turned himself in on April 21, 2026, and remains held at Union County Jail pending a detention hearing. Co-conspirators Sandra Garcia and another individual named Ritacco were served complaint-summons documents during search warrant operations in Wall Township and New Brunswick.