A Hackettstown NJ woman is likely to avoid prison time after pleading guilty to theft of a large amount of money from comedian Joe Piscopo.
According to Morris County prosecutors, the 40-year-old suspect and her husband stole approximately $171,000 from Piscopo between 2010 and 2014. The suspect’s husband worked as Piscopo’s bookkeeper during that time period.
The suspect reportedly gained access to Piscopo’s checkbook through her husband and wrote numerous checks to herself.
The suspect faced several years in prison if she had gone to trial and been convicted on the theft charges. That’s because theft of property valued at more than $500 is classified as a third degree crime and carries a potential sentence of 3-5 years in New Jersey State Prison.
However, thanks to a plea deal reached between the suspect and the Morris County Prosecutor’s Office, the suspect will stay out of prison and instead will be sentenced to three years of probation. Additionally, the suspect will be required to pay restitution.
The suspect recently appeared in Morris County Superior Court, which is located in Morristown, and pleaded guilty to the theft charges.
The suspect’s husband was also charged with stealing funds from Piscopo. Since his theft was greater than $75,000, he faced second degree felony charges. If he had gone to trial, he would have been subject to a term of incarceration of 5-10 years in NJ State Prison. However, his plea deal will result in a sentence of just three years behind bars.
For more information about this case, read the DailyRecord.com article, “Woman Admits to Stealing from Comedian Joe Piscopo.”
