Morris Companies Stole $3.4M From Small Businesses In Debt Relief Scheme: Feds

MORRISTOWN, NJ — Federal officials said they have identified more than 50 victims of a scheme devised by a Morristown man, who offered phony debt relief services and defrauded small businesses of more than $3.4 million.

The U.S. Attorney's office for the District of New Jersey charged Mark Csantaveri, 51, with one charge of wire fraud. According to officials, Csantaveri and two other people promised to provide small businesses with debt relief services through three companies: MCA Cure, LLC and LDMS Group, LLC of Parsippany; and Evergreen Settlement Group, LLC of Rockaway.

The alleged scheme took place between about March 2018 and December 2023, officials said. Csantaveri told the victims to make regular payments to one of these companies, and said he would hold the money while negotiating a settlement with their creditors, officials said.

Instead, Csantaveri and the co-conspirators transferred most of the money to their personal bank accounts, federal authorities charged. Csantaveri is accused of spending approximately $1.3 million of customers' money at casinos.

Officials did not identify Csantaveri's two alleged co-conspirators, but said they resided in Morristown and Lake Hopatcong. Attorney information for Csantaveri was not immediately available. The alleged victims included a company operating a restaurant in Maryland, a manufacturing company in Ohio, and an auto body shop in Michigan.

The charge of conspiracy to commit wire fraud is punishable by a maximum of 20 years in prison, officials said. It also carries a fine of $250,000 or twice the gross gain or loss involved in the offense, whichever is greatest.