Woman Facing $1M Fraud Case Now Accused Of New $90K Renovation Scheme, Prosecutor Says

NEWARK, NJ — A Newark woman already facing charges in a case involving more than $1 million in losses is now accused of taking nearly $91,000 in a separate renovation-related investigation, according to the Union County Prosecutor’s Office.

Martinia A. Heath, 44, is accused of taking money from a Texas resident who hired her to manage renovations at a Newark property, prosecutors said.

The new case comes months after Heath was charged in a separate investigation involving more than $1 million in losses. Prosecutors previously said Heath created false records and invoices while working as an on-site property manager at the Mountain Club Condominium complex in Morris County, resulting in financial losses to Corner Property Management between 2019 and 2023.

In the latest investigation, prosecutors said Heath arranged to oversee renovations for a Newark property between September 2024 and April 2026. The victim transferred approximately $90,944 to Heath and her boyfriend, Jalen T. Carlisle, 32, of Old Bridge, for contractor services and property improvements, according to authorities.

Prosecutors said the money was not used for the intended renovations and that the work was not completed. Authorities also said Heath used alternate phone numbers to impersonate a general contractor and a prospective tenant while communicating with the victim.

The case also led to additional charges after authorities attempted to locate Heath.

Prosecutors said detectives went to a Newark apartment on June 9 to arrest Heath and issue Carlisle a summons related to the case. According to authorities, Carlisle told investigators that Heath was in New York, but they later determined she was inside the apartment.

Heath faces charges including theft by deception, impersonation, conspiracy and hindering apprehension. Carlisle faces charges including theft by deception, conspiracy and hindering apprehension, prosecutors said.

The earlier $1 million case remains ongoing.

Anyone with information about these cases or similar incidents involving Heath or Carlisle is asked to contact Union County Prosecutor’s Office Detective Jessica Tattoli at (908) 527-4325.