The Hunterdon County Prosecutor's Office announced on Oct. 17, 2016, the arrest of a Pittstown couple for theft and tax evasion.
FLEMINGTON - The Hunterdon County Prosecutor's Office announced Monday the arrest of a Pittstown couple for theft and tax evasion.
Christopher Pennetta, 52, and Catherine Pennetta, 57, both of Pittstown.Christopher Pennetta, 52, and Catherine Pennetta, 57, both of Pittstown, are facing a number of charges following an eight-month investigation, Hunterdon County Prosecutor Anthony P. Kearns, III, said.
"Christopher and Catherine Pennetta were responsible for the submission of misleading applications for social services and social security benefits since March of 2014, and failing to file and pay income taxes in 2014 and 2015," Kearns said. "The Pennetta's were also found to be operating a home improvement business without the proper registration in 2015 and 2016."
Christopher Pennetta, arrested on Oct. 12, was charged with second-degree theft by deception, and conspiracy to commit theft by deception, hindering apprehension or prosecution, failure to pay taxes and failure to file tax returns, all third-degree crimes.
He was also charged with falsifying or tampering with records and violation of contractor's registration, both fourth-degree crimes.
He was sent to the Somerset County Jail on $75,000 bail by state Superior Court Judge Angela F. Borkowski pending a court appearance.
Catherine Pannetta was arrested and charged with theft by deception, conspiracy to commit theft by deception, hindering apprehension or prosecution, failure to pay taxes and failure to file tax returns, all third-degree crimes, as well as falsifying or tampering with records and violation of contractor's registration, both fourth-degree crimes.
She was released on her own recognizance pending her first court appearance.
The arrests were announced by Kearns, as well as New Jersey State Police Kingwood Station Commander Lt. Roger Malone.
The joint investigation was done by detectives from the Hunterdon County Prosecutor's Office, Office of the Inspector General - Social Security Administration, New Jersey Division of Taxation Office of Criminal Investigation, New Jersey State Police Kingwood Barracks, Hunterdon County Division of Adult Protective Services and the Hunterdon County Department of Human Services.
Craig Turpin may be reached at cturpin@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @NJeditor. Find NJ.com on Facebook.