A former employee at Jersey City-based Goya Foods faces charges after authorities say she stole more than $274,000 from the company.

According to a Tuesday press release from the Jersey City Department of Public Safety, police charged Jennifer Kutler with:

• theft by deception
• computer criminal activity
• impersonation and misapplication of entrusted property

The move follows a months-long financial investigation. The Jersey City Police Department said Goya contacted them in August 2025 after noticing suspicious payroll activity linked to Kutler. According to JCPD, the 54-year-old worked in the payroll department.

A subsequent review of payroll records, financial documentation and bank transactions revealed a sustained pattern of fraudulent activity from 2023 through 2025. The span resulted in a total loss of $274,231.90, authorities said.

Police said they conducted the investigation in coordination with the Hudson County Prosecutor’s Office.

Founded in 1936, Goya is the largest Hispanic-owned food company in the U.S. Its lineup spans over 2,500 high-quality and affordable authentic Latin food products from the Caribbean, Mexico, Spain, Central America and South America. Offerings include beans, rice, condiments and beverages as well as frozen items. The company’s workforce spans more than 4,000 employees across 26 facilities in the U.S., Puerto Rico, Dominican Republic and Spain.

A spokesperson for Goya did not immediately respond to a request for comment on the matter.

Committed ‘to protecting businesses and residents alike’

The JCPD criminal warrants squad arrested Kutler Feb. 6, police said. She was released from the Hudson County Correctional Center Feb. 7.

According to NJ Advance Media, the Lyndhurst resident is scheduled to appear in court for possible entry into pre-trial intervention.

Kutler’s attorney, Daniel Welsh, could not immediately be reached for comment.

In a statement, Jersey City Mayor James Soloman praised detectives. He cited “their diligence and their commitment to protecting businesses and residents alike.”

“This case shows that Jersey City takes all crimes seriously and that our police department has the expertise to handle even the most complex investigations,” he said.

Acting Public Safety Director Anthony Ambrose added, “This arrest reflects the exceptional work of our detectives, whose persistence, attention to detail, and commitment to following the evidence led to accountability in a complex financial crime.”

He went on, “Their ability to unravel a sophisticated scheme demonstrates the high level of professionalism and integrity that defines the Jersey City Police Department.”