Dealership Manager Faces Theft Charges in $27K Scheme
A former motorcycle dealership manager is facing criminal charges after allegedly orchestrating multiple theft schemes that cost her employer more than $27,000, Monmouth County authorities announced Friday. Chelsea A. Marra-Kaufmann, 36, of Toms River, has been charged with third-degree theft following an investigation that revealed a pattern of financial manipulation spanning several months.
Prosecutors say Marra-Kaufmann, who worked as a general manager at a West Long Branch motorcycle dealership, received unauthorized paychecks, concealed a bounced personal check, and diverted an $18,000 deposit, according to a statement released by Monmouth County Prosecutor Raymond S. Santiago.
Investigation Reveals Multiple Theft Methods
The investigation began last year after the dealership contacted the West Long Branch Police Department regarding financial irregularities. A thorough review of business records uncovered several methods Marra-Kaufmann allegedly used to divert funds from her employer.
“A review of the dealership’s payroll, business, and sales records revealed that Marra-Kaufmann had erroneously received additional paychecks on three separate occasions in late 2022 without authorization by the dealership’s executive leadership,” Prosecutor Santiago said in a statement. The unauthorized payments amounted to nearly $6,000, which Marra-Kaufmann never reported receiving.
As investigators from the Prosecutor’s Office’s Financial Crimes and Special Prosecutions Unit dug deeper, they uncovered additional alleged improprieties beyond the payroll issues.
Personal Check Fraud Uncovered
Around the same time as the payroll discrepancies, investigators discovered that Marra-Kaufmann had written a $3,300 personal check for the purchase of a motorcycle that was later returned for insufficient funds. Rather than addressing the bounced check openly, she allegedly disguised the loss in the dealership’s accounting system as multiple bank fees.
“This type of financial manipulation requires a significant level of access to company systems and an understanding of how to conceal transactions,” explained financial fraud specialist Thomas Reynolds, who is not involved in the case but consults with dealerships on preventing employee theft. “Position of trust violations like this can be particularly difficult to detect without regular audits.”
The investigation determined that Marra-Kaufmann’s actions were deliberate attempts to hide personal financial issues by manipulating company records.
Missing $18,000 Deposit
In what prosecutors describe as the most significant theft, Marra-Kaufmann allegedly failed to deposit an $18,000 payment received from a motorcycle sale in 2023. To conceal the missing funds, authorities say she manipulated the dealership’s accounting system through a series of internal transfers designed to mask the shortage.
“The level of sophistication in these alleged schemes suggests this wasn’t a momentary lapse in judgment but a calculated effort to systematically divert funds,” said a source familiar with the investigation who requested anonymity because they weren’t authorized to discuss the case publicly.
The dealership reportedly discovered the irregularity during an internal financial review prompted by discrepancies in their accounts.
Industry Vulnerabilities Highlighted
The case highlights ongoing vulnerabilities within the motorcycle and powersports retail industry, where high-value transactions and complex inventory systems can create opportunities for financial manipulation if proper controls aren’t in place.
“Dealerships process numerous transactions daily, from vehicle sales and financing to parts and service,” explained Michael Davidson, president of the Mid-Atlantic Powersports Retailers Association. “Without rigorous oversight and separation of duties, these businesses can be susceptible to internal theft.”
Industry publications have documented similar cases in recent years, prompting many dealerships to implement more stringent financial controls and regular third-party audits.
Legal Proceedings Begin
Marra-Kaufmann was served with the charges last week by summons. Her first court appearance is tentatively scheduled for Tuesday, June 10, in Monmouth County Superior Court. If convicted of third-degree theft, she could face three to five years in state prison and substantial fines.
“White-collar crimes like this may not involve violence, but they represent serious violations of trust that can significantly impact businesses,” said criminal defense attorney Jennifer Watkins, who is not involved in this case. “Courts typically consider factors like the amount stolen, the duration of the theft, and whether there was a pattern of deception when determining sentences.”
The investigation remains ongoing. Authorities have not indicated whether additional charges may be forthcoming as they continue to review financial records from the dealership.
