Allan Witten
Allan Witten is a resident of Buena, New Jersey, who became connected to a significant financial fraud case that impacted the nonprofit sector in South Jersey. As the husband of former chief financial officer Colleen Witten, Allan Witten was implicated in a scheme that defrauded a Burlington County disability services organization of more than $2.5 million between 2018 and 2023.
Background
Allan Witten resides in Buena, a small community in Atlantic County, New Jersey. Buena is located in the southern part of the state, approximately 30 miles southeast of Philadelphia. The community is part of the broader South Jersey region, which includes both rural areas and suburban developments that serve as bedroom communities for workers in Philadelphia and other regional employment centers.
Legal Proceedings
Allan Witten became involved in legal proceedings related to a major embezzlement case that emerged in 2025. His wife, Colleen Witten, served as the chief financial officer and comptroller of Occupational Training Center Services (OTCS) of Burlington County, a nonprofit organization that provides services to individuals with disabilities.[1]
According to the New Jersey Attorney General's office, the scheme involved the systematic theft of funds from OTCS, with some of the stolen money being funneled through a family business. The investigation revealed that the fraudulent activities took place over a period of several years, with funds being diverted for personal expenses rather than supporting the nonprofit's mission of serving individuals with disabilities in the Burlington County area.[2]
The charges against the couple included theft by unlawful taking, money laundering, and tax evasion. Allan Witten was reportedly sentenced for his role in the scheme, though he received his sentence prior to his wife's November 2025 sentencing.[3]
Impact on Local Community
The case had significant implications for the South Jersey nonprofit sector, particularly organizations serving vulnerable populations in Burlington County and surrounding areas. OTCS provides critical services to individuals with disabilities, making the financial impact of the theft particularly concerning for families and advocates in the region who depend on such services.
The scheme's discovery and prosecution highlighted vulnerabilities in nonprofit financial oversight and the importance of robust internal controls for organizations handling public funds and donations. The case was prosecuted by the New Jersey Attorney General's office, demonstrating the state's commitment to protecting nonprofit organizations and the communities they serve.
Family Business Connection
According to law enforcement reports, part of the fraudulent scheme involved directing stolen funds through a family business. This aspect of the case illustrated how the couple allegedly attempted to conceal the source of the misappropriated funds by creating seemingly legitimate business transactions. The use of a family business as a conduit for laundering stolen nonprofit funds became a key component of the money laundering charges filed against both Allan and Colleen Witten.
Community Impact
The Witten case became one of the more significant nonprofit fraud prosecutions in recent New Jersey history, both in terms of the dollar amount involved and the impact on vulnerable populations served by the affected organization. The case received coverage from multiple regional news outlets, including Philadelphia-area television stations and New Jersey-focused publications, reflecting the broader interest in nonprofit accountability and financial stewardship.
The prosecution of the case by New Jersey Attorney General Matthew J. Platkin's office was part of broader efforts to combat fraud targeting nonprofit organizations, particularly those serving disabled individuals and other vulnerable populations. The case served as a reminder of the importance of financial oversight in nonprofit operations and the potential consequences when trust is violated.
Legal Resolution
While specific details of Allan Witten's sentence were not extensively detailed in public records, reports indicated that he was sentenced prior to his wife's November 2025 sentencing hearing. Colleen Witten ultimately received an eight-year state prison sentence and was ordered to pay restitution of approximately $2.58 million to the affected nonprofit organization.[4]
The restitution order represented an attempt to recover funds for OTCS, allowing the organization to continue providing services to individuals with disabilities in Burlington County. However, the financial impact of the theft created ongoing challenges for the nonprofit's operations and service delivery.
References