Morristown Conman Stole Millions From Small Businesses In Debt Scam

MORRISTOWN, NJ — A Morristown man has admitted to his involvement in a multi-million dollar debt relief scam, officials say.

Mark Csantaveri, 53, pleaded guilty on Monday to a single count charging him with conspiracy to commit wire fraud.

According to federal officials, Csantaveri and his co-conspirators were targeting small businesses, offering them debt relief services. He would tell business owners that he would hold their money while negotiating favorable settlements with the victims’ creditors.

Instead, Csantaveri used the business’s funds for personal use, including over $1 million in gambling expenses.

Officials said Csantaveri’s debt-relief businesses took in approximately $3.7 million from small businesses and transferred around $3 million to Csantaveri’s and his co-conspirators’ accounts.

“This defendant didn’t just break the law—he exploited the financial vulnerability of small business owners who were trying to stay afloat and keep their doors open," said U.S. Attorney Robert Frazer. "By peddling sham debt-relief services and diverting millions for personal use, he turned trust into a weapon and hardship into profit."

Csantaveri faces up to 20 years in prison and potentially millions in fines. He is scheduled to be sentenced in September.