Multiyear Overbilling Shipper Scheme

A New Jersey man has been charged with conspiracy to commit wire fraud for his role in a multiyear scheme that overbilled Williams-Sonoma and a transportation company by more than $4 million.

From 2018 to 2020, Jose Pena and his co-conspirators inflated trucking service invoices for services not performed, and in return, received kickbacks, including money, a Rolex, and an SUV.

The fraud was discovered through an internal audit, but Pena continued the scheme by hiding his interest in another carrier and overbilling Williams-Sonoma through June 2024, resulting in approximately $1 million in losses.

Co-conspirators Raymond DeLeon and Cintia Elaxcar, former employees of the logistics company, pleaded guilty earlier this year. Pena now faces up to 20 years in prison and fines if convicted. He has not yet entered a plea.