Morristown Republican charged with conspiracy in $3.4 million fraud scheme

Mark Csantaveri, a 51-year-old registered Republican from Morristown, has been charged with conspiracy to commit wire fraud in a scheme that defrauded victims of over $3.4 million.

Csantaveri made his initial appearance on Wednesday, March 20, 2024, before U.S. Magistrate Judge Edward S. Kiel in Newark federal court and was subsequently detained.

According to New Jersey U.S. Attorney Philip R. Sellinger, documents filed in the case, and statements made in court, Csantaveri and his conspirators ran companies that claimed to offer debt relief services to small businesses.

The scheme involved convincing victims to make regular payments to one of Csantaveri’s businesses under false pretenses of negotiating favorable settlements with their creditors.

However, instead of using the funds as promised, Csantaveri and his associates misappropriated the money for personal expenses, including substantial gambling costs amounting to over $1 million.

The fraudulent operation allegedly victimized more than 50 individuals and businesses, resulting in a total loss exceeding $3.4 million.

Csantaveri’s co-conspirators, located in Morristown and Lake Hopatcong, participated in deceiving victims into making regular payments in exchange for debt settlement services that were never fulfilled.

One notable victim, a restaurant in College Park, MD, paid Csantaveri’s firm nearly $150,000 over two years under the impression that their debts would be reduced.

However, the victim later discovered that Csantaveri had not contacted their creditor as promised, despite numerous excuses and misrepresentations.

Among the businesses allegedly defrauded were a manufacturing company in Dayton, Ohio, and an auto body shop in Clinton Township, Mich.

The scheme involved three businesses operated by Csantaveri and his conspirators, including MCA Cure LLC and LDMS Group LLC in Parsippany, and Evergreen Settlement Group LLC in Rockaway.

Conspiracy to commit wire fraud carries a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison and a fine of $250,000 or double the gross gain or loss involved in the offense, whichever is greater.

The investigation leading to the charges was conducted by special agents of the FBI, directed by Special Agent in Charge James E. Dennehy in Newark. Assistant U.S. Attorney Aaron L. Webman of the Criminal Division in Newark is representing the government in this case.

It is essential to note that the charges and allegations against Csantaveri are accusations, and he is presumed innocent unless proven guilty in a court of law.