BURLINGTON, NJ — A Burlington County not-for-profit organization is strengthening its internal procedures following alleged financial misconduct by its former Chief Financial Officer (CFO).
New Jersey Attorney General Matthew J. Platkin announced on February 28 that Colleen Witten, the former CFO of the Occupational Training Center of Burlington County (OTC), had been charged with stealing millions of dollars from the agency. Witten, 55, of Buena, NJ, allegedly stole over $2.5 million from the company while also engaging in money laundering and tax evasion. Her husband, Allen, is accused of receiving property stolen from the agency.
The Occupational Training Center works with adults with disabilities to provide employment services, day services, and access to residential homes, helping them to reach their maximum potential.
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The Attorney General's Office alleges that between May 2019 and March 2024, while Witten was OTC's Comptroller, and later, Chief Financial Officer, she used her positions to misappropriate approximately $2.58 million directly from the company’s legitimate bank accounts.
Witten allegedly transferred more than $500,000 to a landscaping company she controlled from June 2023 to March 2024, knowing that the transactions were designed to conceal the source of the money. Witten also allegedly failed to pay income taxes totaling $174,480 between July 2020 and April 2024. The AG's office further says that her husband, Allen, knowingly received $189,000 on March 7, 2024, knowing or believing the money had been stolen.
According to a statement released by OTC, the organization launched its own investigation after identifying a violation of internal procedures, finding that Witten had allegedly misappropriated money. OTC then immediately turned the information over to authorities and fired Witten and says that a “significant amount of the funds have been recovered” due to the non-profit’s “swift actions and full cooperation with law enforcement.”
While crediting its “robust existing internal controls” for discovering Witten’s alleged theft, OTC is now implementing enhanced oversight measures and stronger financial safeguards following an in-depth review of its protocols and procedures.
“Maintaining our clients’ trust and ensuring the integrity of our operations is paramount,” said Executive Director of OTC Services Isaac Manning. “While we were shocked by the alleged actions of our former CFO, we are steadfast in our commitment to learn from this experience. I am grateful that our internal controls led to the discovery of this alleged theft, but we have implemented additional changes to strengthen our internal procedures even more, for the betterment of those we serve.”
“The Board fully supports the leadership team’s swift response and strengthened safeguards,” added Franklin Gomez, President of the OTC Services Board of Directors. “Our priority is ensuring transparency and protecting the organization’s mission and those we serve.”
OTC officials say they are grateful to law enforcement and investigative agencies for their swift response to the incident, noting that their efforts have been instrumental in the recovery of a portion of the stolen funds.
If convicted, the Wittens both face both jail time and heavy fines.
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MORE: CFO of Burlington County Non-Profit Agency for Disabled Adults Charged with Stealing $2.5M