2-Year Sentence for Ex-Hoboken Health Director Who Misused City Funds

Federal authorities on Tuesday sentenced Pantaleo “Leo” Pellegrini, formerly Hoboken’s Director of Health and Human Services and Environmental Services, to 24 months in federal prison for embezzlement and filing a false tax return .

Pellegrini pleaded guilty in December 2024 after admitting to diverting approximately $223,500 in participant fees for the city’s Adult Soccer League into his private business account. He also charged $234,432.60 in personal expenses to the city and failed to report the illicit income, avoiding nearly $119,973 in federal taxes.

Authorities explain that Pellegrini created and oversaw a youth recreational soccer league under Hoboken Parks & Recreation and ran a separate adult league. Instead of depositing fees into city coffers, he rerouted them to his own soccer-related business account. He further billed the city for bogus invoices tied to his private travel soccer club.

Using these funds, Pellegrini indulged in “meals, entertainment, and gambling,” far beyond his official salary- a lifestyle that ultimately sparked a federal investigation by the DOJ, FBI, and IRS .

In addition to the prison term, U.S. District Judge Michael E. Farbiarz ordered Pellegrini to pay $439,972.60 in restitution to the City of Hoboken, $119,464 to the IRS, and forfeit $439,972.60. He also faces a period of supervised release.