A New Jersey woman has admitted to stealing millions from her trucking company employer while working as a bookkeeper, officials say.

Jeanette Avellan, 62, pleaded guilty to second-degree theft of movable property, third-degree failure to pay income taxes, and third-degree filing a fraudulent tax return, according to an April 14 statement from New Jersey Attorney General Matthew J. Platkin.

Avellan agreed to plead guilty in exchange for a recommended sentence of four years in state prison. She has also agreed to pay restitution of $4.03 million to her victims and pay $559,919 to the New Jersey Division of Taxation in back taxes, penalties, and interest for tax years 2019, 2020, and 2021.

Officials say that Avellan was employed as a bookkeeper for South Brunswick, New Jersey, trucking company West End Express Co. starting in 2005.

While entrusted with the finances of West End Express Co., Avellan admitted to stealing approximately $4 million from the company between January 2017 to January 2023, and to using the money for gambling. Additionally, officials say that she did not report on her tax returns the money she stole, filed returns knowing that they were incorrect, and did not pay taxes that she owed.

“This defendant admitted to systematically stealing millions of dollars from her employer while in a position of financial trust,” said Attorney General Platkin. “She will now face significant punishment for her crimes. My office will always find those who would use their positions of trust to take what isn’t rightfully theirs.”

“Employers need to know the people they hire to handle sensitive financial duties can be trusted to do their jobs honestly and professionally,” said Division of Criminal Justice Director Theresa L. Hilton. “Unfortunately, in this case, the defendant’s gambling habit led her to steal from her employer and then try to hide her theft by filing fraudulent tax returns.”

Avellan is scheduled for sentencing on May 9, 2025,