SPARTA TOWNSHIP, N.J. (Sussex County) — Two Wantage residents have been arrested and charged in connection with a scheme that allegedly stole and laundered more than $139,000 from three local title companies in Sparta Township, authorities said.
Following an investigation launched March 31, police said Lisa Carratura, 46, and Timothy Bruzik, 42, were taken into custody after discrepancies were reported in escrow accounts at Title on Demand, Reliant Title, and Bonafide Title Agency.
An internal audit revealed that Carratura, an employee, had allegedly issued unauthorized checks to accounts not linked to business operations, initially leaving about $74,000 unaccounted for. Forensic accounting later determined that $139,715.44 was misappropriated and traced to 15 bank accounts connected to Carratura and Bruzik. Investigators said the funds were used to pay off personal loans and debts.
Police also said Carratura had refinanced her home with Title on Demand in January 2024, listing several bank accounts on her loan application. Investigators matched those accounts to the ones allegedly used in the fraud.
A search warrant executed at the couple’s home turned up a large-capacity ammunition magazine, police said. Bruzik was additionally found in possession of a firearm, despite being prohibited as a certain person not to have weapons.
Carratura was charged with forgery, money laundering, misapplication of entrusted property, theft, bad checks, and possession of a large-capacity magazine. Bruzik was charged with conspiracy to commit theft, receiving stolen property, certain persons not to have weapons, and possession of a large-capacity magazine.
Both were lodged in the Morris County Jail pending their first court appearance.
“We would like to thank the Sussex County Prosecutor’s Office for their assistance with this investigation,” Sparta Township Police said in a statement. “The Sparta Township Police Department is committed to protecting our community. Anyone who commits fraud within our township will be held accountable, and all allegations will be thoroughly investigated to ensure justice is served.”
