Headstone salesman investigated by Troubleshooters charged with defrauding hundreds in Pa., NJ
If convicted, Gregory Stefan Jr. faces a maximum possible sentence of 140 years of imprisonment.
PENNSYLVANIA (WPVI) -- A headstone salesman has been charged with defrauding hundreds of customers across Pennsylvania and New Jersey, authorities announced Tuesday.
Gregory J. Stefan Jr., 54, of Upper Merion, was arrested and charged with seven counts of wire fraud by the U.S. Attorney's Office.
This is a story that the Action News Troubleshooters have been warning viewers about for years.
"You do have so many complaints against your business," Action News' Nydia Han said to Stefan back in 2015.
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The indictment alleges that between January 2018 and September 2023, Stefan -- through his businesses 1843 LLC and Colonial Memorials -- defrauded hundreds of people.
Authorities say he entered into contracts to provide custom headstones and engraving services but never delivered them on time, if at all.
Investigators added that Stefan would allegedly ask for large up-front payments, often having grieving customers pay 100% of the purchase price.
When customers would check in for updates on their orders, authorities say Stefan would either ignore them or placate them without taking steps to deliver the product.
Stefan previously claimed that financial hardships were the reason behind the delays and non-deliveries.
Overall, investigators say Stefan failed to deliver -- or provide refunds for -- orders placed by roughly 500 customers who paid him over $1.5 million.
Since 2015, the Troubleshooters have been warning viewers against Stefan and his companies, which have operated under two dozen names.
It was the Troubleshooter's reporting that led the Pennsylvania Attorney General's Office to shut him down in the Keystone State. But Stefan had operations set up in New Jersey as well.
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"I just don't know how anyone can come in and take advantage of someone when they're hurting so bad," said one grieving customer about Stefan.
The U.S. Attorney's Office declined to comment on camera as the investigation is active and ongoing.
However, over the years the Troubleshooters have spoken to many other customers as well as the Delaware County district attorney, who filed over 280 charges against Stefan in November 2023.
"This guy, Greg Stefan, is not a bad businessman, he's a crook," Delaware County D.A. Jack Stollsteimerm previously stated. "He has robbed people and over 69 victims have been identified so far, with over $200,000 worth of money he's stolen from these people."
Stefan made his first federal court appearance for the charges on Tuesday.
"He has to be held accountable," said Margaret Giannone, one of the alleged victims.
Stefan's federal case was investigated by the FBI. If convicted, he faces a maximum possible sentence of 140 years of imprisonment.
The Troubleshooters team reached out to Stefan's attorney but we have not heard back.
Stefan's business is a family affair. It began with his father and Stefan's brother was also involved. All three have faced legal trouble relating to the headstone business in the past.
