Rochester Gambler Stole From Woman With Dementia, Gets Probation
Rochester, MN (KROC-AM News) - A Rochester man who admitted stealing tens of thousands of dollars from a woman with dementia to fund his gambling addiction has been sentenced to probation.
A criminal complaint filed in Olmsted County Court last year accused 51-year-old Jesse Koran Lequia of transferring funds from the victim’s bank account between November 2023 and late March of last year. The court document says an Olmsted County Sheriff’s Office investigator identified 12 transfers into an account owned by Lequia that totaled about $46,400.
Theft Funded Trips to Casino and Las Vegas
According to the charges, the victim was unable to assist in the investigation due to her dementia and aphasia. When interviewed by an investigator, Lequia admitted taking the money from the woman using her online banking app on her phone while he was living at her residence rent-free. He also stated that he spent the money at Treasure Island Casino in Red Wing and in Las Vegas.
Lequia Ordered to Repay Nearly $44,000 in Restitution
Lequia was charged with five counts of felony theft. He entered into a plea agreement in August and admitted to one of the charges in exchange for the dismissal of the other counts.
At his sentencing hearing Monday in Olmsted County Court, Lequia was placed on probation for five years. He was also ordered to pay nearly $44,000 in restitution.
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