“Even though I argued for a longer sentence, I am satisfied with the outcome. Financial crimes are not victimless crimes. Sentencing this defendant to five years sends a clear message that this is a serious offense which warrants significant prison time,’’ said Assistant Prosecutor Portia Downing, who noted that Gizas has five prior felony convictions.

On December 15, 2011, Gizas, the owner of Harold’s Deli in Parsippany, was found guilty of conspiracy to commit credit card fraud, four counts of credit card fraud and four counts of theft by deception by an Essex County jury. The jury found Gizas guilty after an hour of deliberation.

The conviction stemmed from incidences that occurred on Oct. 16 and Oct. 17, 2009 in which Gizas charged nearly $40,000 to American Express using stolen credit card numbers, according to Assistant Prosecutor Downing, who tried the case.

American Express paid the bills within 48 to 72 hours, as is the company’s practice, but when the customers received the charges they called the credit card company and said they had never made purchases at the deli, Assistant Prosecutor Downing said.

The jury deliberated for an hour before finding, Gizas, the owner of Harold’s Deli in Parsippany, guilty of two counts of conspiracy to commit credit card fraud, four counts of credit card fraud and four counts of theft by deception.

On Oct. 16 and Oct. 17, 2009 Gizas charged nearly $40,000 to American Express using stolen credit card numbers, according to Assistant Prosecutor Portia Downing, who tried the case.

American Express paid the bills within 48 to 72 hours, as is the company’s practice, but when the customers received the charges they called the credit card company and said they had never made purchases at the deli, Assistant Prosecutor Downing said.

Gizas, who list addresses in Hopatcong and Parsippany, is scheduled to be sentenced on Feb. 13, 2012 by the Honorable Peter J. Vazquez, J.S.C. Gizas faces three to five years on each count. The Essex County Prosecutor’s Office will seek the maximum penalty because Gizas has three prior felony convictions.

“We are pleased with the result. The Essex County Prosecutor’s Office take financial fraud crimes very seriously and will continue to pursue them vigorously,’’ said Assistant Prosecutor Downing.