3 Charged In $8M Theft, Money Laundering Scheme In Union County

ELIZABETH, NJ — Three people were charged in connection to an alleged $8 million theft and money laundering scheme targeting an Elizabeth-based business, said Union County Prosecutor William A. Daniel.

Alejandro Garcia, 49, of Manasquan, Sandra Garcia, 51, of Manasquan, and Rosemarie Ritacco, 46, of Nutley were all charged.

In September 2025, R. Roman Truck Leasing, Inc. made allegations that Alejandro Garcia diverted $2.5 million to himself over five years.

An investigation, led by Union County Prosecutor’s Office Detective Jessica Tattoli, found that Garcia was a 27-year employee of the company and that he allegedly stole about $8 million from the business.

The investigation also found Garcia allegedly used unauthorized checks, cash withdrawals, and payments to other employees to support a "lavish lifestyle for himself and his family," according to authorities.

Authorities also claim he established a shadow company, Roman Truck Leasing Co. of NJ Corporation, to facilitate the theft.

On April 21, Union County Prosecutor’s Office detectives executed a warrant at Garcia’s place of business in New Brunswick with help from the Middlesex County Prosecutor’s Office, Middlesex County Sheriff’s Office K9 unit, New Brunswick Police Department, and the Department of Labor Office of the Inspector General.

Detectives also executed a search warrant at a Wall Township home with help from the Wall Township Police Department, Monmouth County Prosecutor’s Office Search Warrant Entry Team, and the Department of Labor Office of the Inspector General.

Alejandro Garcia is charged with first-degree money laundering, multiple counts of second-degree theft, credit card fraud, and conspiracy to commit theft.

Sandra Garcia is charged with second-degree theft and second-degree conspiracy to commit theft.

Ritacco is charged with second-degree theft, third-degree theft, and second-degree conspiracy to commit theft.

Sandra Garcia was served with a Complaint-Summons and is scheduled for a first appearance on June 4.

Ritacco was served with a Complaint-Summons on April 22 and is also scheduled for a first appearance on June 4.

Alejandro Garcia turned himself in to the Union County Prosecutor’s Office on April 21, was processed, and remains at the Union County Jail pending a detention hearing.

"This investigation highlights the relentless work of our detectives in uncovering complex financial crimes that devastate local businesses," Daniel said. "We would like to thank the Wall Township Police, New Brunswick Police, Middlesex County Prosecutor’s Office and Sheriff’s Office, Monmouth County Prosecutor’s Office and Search Warrant Entry Team, and the Department of Labor Office of the Inspector General for their vital assistance in this operation."