Woman admits embezzling from Alamogordo pistachio store, faces 18 years in prison

ALAMOGORDO, New Mexico — A woman who admitted embezzling tens of thousands of dollars from an Alamogordo business faces up to 18 years in prison when she is sentenced later this year, prosecutors announced.

Jennifer Najar, 44, pleaded no contest to two felony counts of embezzlement of more than $20,000 at a hearing, according to a news release from John Sugg, District Attorney in Otero and Lincoln counties.

Najar had worked at family owned McGinn’s PistachioLand store since 2011, starting as a clerk and working her way up to a manager position before being fired when the theft was discovered last year. The McGinn’s reviewed sales records in January 2019 and discovered a discrepancy between the day’s net sales and credit card receipts.

A review of videotapes showed Najar taking cash from the register and putting it in an envelope. She confessed to taking the money once confronted.

An investigator with the Twelfth Judicial District Attorney’s Office was able to establish that Najar had stolen at least $84,000 while employed at the store.

The McGinns operate a tree ranch, winery and store.