Phillipsburg Woman Sentenced to Federal Prison for $500K Multi-State Fraud

Marsha L. Jester stole nearly $500,000 over a seven-year period while working for companies that entrusted her with managing daily operations.

Published on Mar. 5, 2026

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A 69-year-old Phillipsburg, New Jersey woman named Marsha L. Jester has been sentenced to 18 months in federal prison for wire fraud. Jester pleaded guilty to stealing nearly $500,000 from multiple businesses over a seven-year period by creating fake vendors, submitting fraudulent invoices, and falsifying business records to divert company funds for her personal use.

Why it matters

This case highlights the real-world impact of financial crimes and the consequences of exploiting trust for personal gain. Fraud may seem invisible, but its effects are real and damaging, undermining the systems designed to protect businesses.

The details

While working as a site manager for a New Jersey-based company that provided services to client businesses, Jester created a fictitious vendor called "Global Solutions, Inc." and submitted fraudulent invoices claiming the company had delivered products, even though no goods were provided. She then accessed the funds through a Square account linked to the sham business and spent the money on personal expenses. Investigators determined that over the course of the scheme, Jester stole $489,489.54 from five businesses by submitting a total of 119 fraudulent invoices through "Global Solutions, Inc." and another fake company called "Master Products Company".

  • From 2019 through 2022, Jester worked for the New Jersey-based company that provided site managers.
  • In September 2021, Jester was assigned as a site manager for a food service provider in Evansville, Indiana.
  • While assigned in Evansville, Jester submitted 13 fraudulent invoices totaling $87,356.31.

The players

Marsha L. Jester

A 69-year-old woman from Phillipsburg, New Jersey who was sentenced to 18 months in federal prison for wire fraud after pleading guilty to stealing nearly $500,000 from multiple businesses over a seven-year period.

Matthew B. Miller

The Assistant U.S. Attorney who prosecuted the case.

Matthew P. Brookman

The U.S. District Judge who handed down the sentence.

Tom Wheeler

The U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Indiana.

Timothy J. O'Malley

The FBI Indianapolis Special Agent in Charge.

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What they’re saying

“Marsha Jester abused her position of trust to orchestrate a calculated and prolonged fraud scheme. Her actions not only betrayed the companies that relied on her integrity, but also undermined the systems designed to protect them.”

— Tom Wheeler, U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Indiana

“Fraud may seem invisible, but its effects are real and damaging. This case demonstrates the consequences of exploiting trust for personal gain. The FBI remains committed to pursuing those who commit fraud to ensure they are held accountable.”

— Timothy J. O'Malley, FBI Indianapolis Special Agent in Charge

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Marsha L. Jester out on bail pending her appeal.

The takeaway

This case highlights the serious consequences of financial crimes and the importance of businesses maintaining strong internal controls and oversight to protect against fraud and abuse of trust. It serves as a warning to those who may be tempted to exploit their positions for personal gain.