Old Bridge man accused in alleged $91K scam that targeted Texas woman
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An Old Bridge man and his girlfriend, who was already facing trial in an alleged $1 million property management fraud scheme, have been charged with allegedly scamming nearly $91,000 from a Texas woman, authorities said.
Jalen T. Carlisle, 32, was charged by the Union County Prosecutor’s Office with second-degree theft by deception, second-degree conspiracy to commit theft by deception, multiple counts of third-degree hindering apprehension, third-degree conspiracy to hinder apprehension and fourth-degree obstruction.
His girlfriend, Martinia A. Heath, 44, of Newark, was charged with second-degree theft by deception, second-degree impersonation, second-degree conspiracy to commit theft by deception, third-degree theft of services, third-degree hindering apprehension, third-degree conspiracy to hinder apprehension and fourth-degree obstruction.
Second-degree crimes are punishable by five to 10 years in state prison.
According to the Union County Prosecutor’s Office, the new charges stem from a referral to the agency’s Special Prosecutions Unit by a Texas resident.
An investigation led by Detective Jessica Tattoli found that between September 2024 and April 2026, Heath allegedly agreed to manage renovations on a Newark property owned by the victim.
Over several months, authorities said, the victim transferred about $90,944 to Heath and Carlisle for contractor services and property improvements.
Investigators allege Heath and Carlisle kept the money for personal use while failing to complete the promised renovations.
Authorities also allege Heath used alternate phone numbers to impersonate a general contractor and a prospective tenant in text message conversations with the victim.
In June, detectives from the Union County Prosecutor’s Office and Newark Police Department went to an apartment on Broad Street in Newark to serve Heath with an arrest warrant and Carlisle with a summons related to the investigation.
Prosecutors allege Carlisle intercepted officers outside the building and falsely claimed Heath was in New York. Officers later discovered Heath inside the apartment, leading to the hindering apprehension and obstruction charges.
Prior fraud case
Heath is also facing charges connected to a December 2024 arrest in Union County.
That investigation began after a referral from Corner Property Management of Springfield. Authorities allege Heath, while working as an on-site property manager at the Mountain Club condominium complex in Morris County, carried out a scheme to defraud the company.
According to prosecutors, investigators found Heath falsified records and correspondence, including fabricated invoices, resulting in losses exceeding $1 million between 2019 and 2023.
Anyone with information about this case or similar incidents involving Heath or Carlisle is asked to contact Detective Jessica Tattoli at 908-527-4325.
Email: [email protected]
