Newark woman and boyfriend charged in $90K property scheme after allegedly trying to mislead police
The new charges stem from a referral to the Union County Prosecutor’s Office from a victim in Texas.
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A Newark woman already facing prosecution in a million-dollar property management fraud case has been charged again after allegedly swindling a Texas investor out of more than $90,000.
Union County Prosecutor’s Office officials said Martinia A. Heath, 44, orchestrated a new home renovation scam with her boyfriend, Jalen T. Carlisle, 32, of Old Bridge. The couple is also accused of trying to evade arrest when detectives tracked them to a Newark apartment last month.
The new charges stem from a referral to the Union County Prosecutor’s Office Special Prosecutions Unit from a victim in Texas.
Investigators said that between September 2024 and April 2026, Heath arranged a deal with the out-of-state investor to manage renovations for a property in Newark. Over several months, the victim transferred about $90,944 to the couple to pay for contractor services and property improvements.
Instead of completing the work, investigators said Heath and Carlisle used the money for personal expenses while leaving the renovations unfinished.
To cover her tracks, Heath allegedly used alternate phone numbers to pose as both a general contractor and a prospective tenant in text messages to keep the victim calm.
On the morning of June 9, detectives from the Union County Prosecutor’s Office and Newark police went to an apartment on Broad Street in Newark to arrest the couple.
Carlisle intercepted officers outside the building and allegedly lied by saying Heath was in New York. Detectives quickly determined Heath was inside the apartment. The delay led to additional charges for hindering apprehension and obstruction.
Heath now faces new charges including second-degree theft by deception, impersonation and conspiracy, along with third-degree theft of services and hindering. Carlisle faces theft, conspiracy and hindering charges.
This is not Heath’s first case with the Special Prosecutions Unit. She was previously arrested in December 2024 in connection with a separate $1 million property management fraud scheme, which is still pending.
