BOSTON (WBZ NewsRadio) — The former CEO of Middleboro based Alden Shoe Co. pleaded guilty on Wednesday, to a slew of charges in federal court.
Richard Hajjar wore a lot of hats during his time at Alden Shoe between 2011 until he was fired in 2019. Hajjar served as CEO, CFO, VP, and corporate secretary of the company.
During that span of time, the company said he stole at least $30 million for himself, and to fund the broadcast endeavors of former Boston TV anchor Bianca De La Garza. Although De La Garza's name didn't come up in court on Wednesday, officials said a civil suit is pending against her.
Hajjar pleaded guilty to multiple charges including wire fraud, unlawful monetary transactions, and filing a false tax return.
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According to charging documents, from 2011 to 2019, Hajjar would embezzle the money by writing checks to himself from company bank accounts, then transferring it to himself and another individual.
The documents also state he used the money to buy gifts and luxury travel for others close to him, including private flights to the Caribbean and diamond jewelry.
When asked by a federal judge to explain what he had done, Hajjar said, "I took money, and I gave it to another person, and I didn't report the money that I took, sir."
The judge said that is known as embezzlement and Hajjar agreed.
His sentencing is set for September.
WBZ NewsRadio's Karyn Regal (@KarynRegal) Reports
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(Photo: Getty Images)