Monroe NJ Travel Agent Pleads to Theft

PRESS RELEASE
August 15, 2011
For Immediate Release
Contact: Bernie Weisenfeld- PIO

Ellis Hester (DOB 7/18/56), of 1236 Mt Vernon Ave., Gibbstown NJ pleaded guilty today to third degree theft by illegal retention, acknowledging that as a travel agent, he took more than $67,000 in deposits for a June 2011 Mediterranean cruise from 19 customers and did not use all the money for the intended purpose.

In a plea agreement, Assistant Gloucester County Prosecutor Joseph Brook will recommend that Hester, owner of the Deva Travel office in Monroe Township, Gloucester County NJ, be sentenced to five years on probation and be ordered to pay $67,380 in restitution to the victims.

Informed by Hester’s lawyer that he is currently employed. Superior Court Judge M. Christine Allen-Jackson said she would make it a condition of sentencing that he continue working in order to repay the money. Judge Allen-Jackson scheduled sentencing for Oct. 28.

Specifically, Hester pleaded guilty to one count of theft, that being from customer Denise Hall in the amount of $3,369. “You took from her the same amount you took from everybody?” Assistant Prosecutor Brook asked. Hester said he did.