Embezzling $130K From Westchester Employers Leads To Prison For NJ Woman

HARRISON, NY — A New Jersey woman who took advantage of Westchester County businesses where she was employed will go to prison.

Westchester County District Attorney Susan Cacace said that 48-year-old Michelle Pennant, of Patterson, New Jersey, was sentenced to up to three years in state prison after admitting to stealing more than $130,000 from two of her former employers in Westchester County.

Pennant was sentenced last week in Westchester County Court to one-and-a-half to three years in state prison after pleading guilty on June 17, to two counts of felony grand larceny, and felony tax fraud.

The court also issued restitution orders totaling $138,395.54, including $70,250.46 and $62,548.08 to her former employers, and $5,597 to the New York State Department of Taxation and Finance.

"Michelle Pennant betrayed the trust placed in her by her employers, exploiting her position to selfishly steal more than $130,000 for her own personal gain," Cacace said. "This sentence not only ensures the defendant serves up to three years in prison but reinforces that financial crimes will not be tolerated and those who commit fraud in our community will be held responsible."

Between March 2023 and April 2024, Pennant stole $70,250.46 from the Westchester-based construction company where she worked. She also also stole $62,549.08 from a home decorating business in Westchester where she was employed between April 2022 and April 2024.

Pennant also failed to pay the taxes connected to this unreported illicit income to the New York State Department of Taxation and Finance.

This case was investigated by the Harrison Police Department, the New York State Department of Taxation and Finance, and the Westchester County District Attorney's Criminal Investigators Squad and Forensic Accountant Michael Frenza. The case was prosecuted by Economic Crimes Bureau Chief Gwen Galef.