VP Of Aberdeen Manufacturing Company Accused Of Corporate Theft From The Business

ABERDEEN, NJ — The former vice president of an industrial manufacturing company located in Aberdeen Twp. is accused of corporate theft of over $1 million, said acting New Jersey Attorney General Jennifer Davenport.

Jeffrey Lawrence, 34, of Far Hills, New Jersey, is criminally charged with two counts of theft by unlawful taking (second degree) and two counts of misconduct by a corporate official (second degree).

The industrial manufacturing company was not named. It was his family's business, according to reports.

Prosecutors allege Lawrence embezzled more than $1 million from the manufacturing company where he worked as vice president, treasurer and corporate secretary. Prosecutors say he opened alternate and unauthorized bank accounts for the company, and — through a series of transactions in January and March 2022 — stole approximately $1 million. He allegedly transferred the funds to a second company under his control to start a competing business.

To conceal the thefts, Lawrence allegedly fabricated various corporate records at both companies, including purchase orders and invoices, to falsely justify the payment of funds between the two companies, which had not actually conducted legitimate business.

“The defendant’s alleged financial scheme undermines trust in high-level corporate executives and the integrity of business dealings,” Davenport said Tuesday. “These crimes erode the ability of businesses to operate on a level playing field and can lead to increased costs, which can affect us all."

If found guilty, he's facing up to 10 years in state prison.

The investigation remains ongoing. Anyone with pertinent information is asked to contact the DCJ’s tip line at (800) 277-2427 or the OSFFCP’s complaint email at OSFFCP@njdcj.org.