By: Tracie Carter
A Morris County man has been indicted on federal charges after authorities allege he secretly accessed confidential corporate information from his girlfriend’s employer and used it to make millions through insider trading.
According to the U.S. Attorney’s Office, Justin Jennings, 27, of Rockaway Township, is charged with one count of engaging in a securities fraud scheme, eight counts of securities fraud related to insider trading, and two counts of transacting in criminal proceeds.
Federal prosecutors allege that between February 2022 and October 2024, Jennings made a series of highly profitable trades involving the securities of eight publicly traded companies shortly before major corporate announcements, including mergers and acquisitions.
Investigators say Jennings was in a romantic relationship with an account executive employed by a public relations firm that was entrusted with sensitive, nonpublic information regarding the companies involved.
Without his girlfriend’s knowledge or permission, Jennings allegedly accessed confidential documents, including draft press releases, from her employer-issued laptop and used that information to guide his investment decisions.
Authorities claim the scheme generated more than $2.7 million in illegal profits.
If convicted, Jennings faces up to 25 years in federal prison on the securities fraud scheme charge, up to 20 years on each insider trading count, and up to 10 years on each count of transacting in criminal proceeds.