Rochester Man Accused of Stealing Over $8k from Vulnerable Co-Worker
Rochester, MN (KROC-AM News)- The Olmsted County Attorney’s Office has filed felony theft charges against a Rochester man accused of stealing thousands of dollars from a vulnerable co-worker.
The criminal complaint filed in Olmsted County Court Thursday, described the victim as a vulnerable adult. The victim’s mother reported the alleged theft to the Olmsted County Sheriff’s Office last October.
Court documents say the victim’s mother told investigators that 48-year-old Jessie Laganiere coerced her son into giving him his debit card number. The mother shared bank statements with investigators and highlighted charges that ranged between $20 and $300 she said Laganiere made on her son’s debit card at the Rochester business where the two worked together.
The victim told investigators that he gave Laganiere his card under the assumption he would be paid back but said Laganiere never reimbursed him. The victim also told authorities that Laganiere would pester him for the debit card if the victim refused to hand it over, according to the complaint.
The charges say Laganiere would use the victim’s debit card while the victim was not present. Investigators interviewed Laganiere who admitted to using the victim’s debit card but said he had permission to do so.
Laganiere said he would buy giftcards with the victim’s funds. Court documents say Laganiere racked up a total of $8,010.00 in charges between May 2022 and October 2022, the charges say.
Prosecutors charged Laganiere with one count of felony theft by swindle and one count of felony theft. Laganiere is due to make his first appearance in the theft case on May 9.
LOOK: These Are the 50 biggest retailers in America
More From KROC-AM
