NEWARK, N.J. — A Newark woman is facing a staggering 29 criminal charges after allegedly orchestrating a series of fraudulent schemes totaling more than $600,000 across New Jersey.
Joyce Kirkland, 59, was arrested at her home on the morning of Wednesday, June 25, according to Union County Prosecutor William A. Daniel.
The charges against Kirkland include:
Theft
Money laundering
Forgery
Criminal impersonation
According to prosecutors, Kirkland forged names on property deeds, falsified official documents, and defrauded the State of New Jersey’s Emergency Rental Assistance Program, taking over $300,000 from the fund meant to aid renters in crisis.
Authorities also allege she impersonated deceased individuals, negotiated fake checks, opened fraudulent credit cards, and laundered the stolen funds through various channels.
“These crimes were elaborate and far-reaching,” said Prosecutor Daniel. “This arrest highlights the devastating impact of financial crimes, especially those targeting vulnerable individuals. We will continue to pursue those who exploit others for personal gain.”
Kirkland’s alleged victims include multiple individuals across the state, with schemes centered on real estate fraud and identity theft, often involving vulnerable or deceased individuals.
The investigation remains ongoing.