By: Richard L. Smith
A Bergen County man is facing federal fraud charges after authorities accused him of collecting thousands of dollars in wages from Hudson County for work he never performed while also improperly receiving unemployment benefits.
According to a statement released by U.S. Attorney Robert Frazer, Alfonso A. Zamarra, 58, of Rutherford, was charged with 28 counts of wire fraud in connection with an alleged scheme involving the Hudson County Parks Department.
Federal prosecutors said Zamarra held a seasonal position with the department during three separate periods between late 2019 and July 2023.
Investigators allege that Zamarra submitted, or arranged for the submission of, timesheets claiming hours he never worked, allowing him to collect county wages without performing his assigned duties.
Authorities said seasonal employees were limited to working six months within a 12-month period. During the months Zamarra was not employed by the county, he allegedly filed unemployment claims with the New Jersey Department of Labor.
Prosecutors estimate the scheme resulted in Zamarra improperly receiving tens of thousands of dollars in wages and unemployment benefits.
Zamarra appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge José R. Almonte in Newark federal court and was released on a $100,000 bond.
Each wire fraud charge carries a maximum sentence of 20 years in federal prison and a fine of up to $250,000.