Waseca Accountant Sentenced for Ripping Off Clients

ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) — A southern Minnesota accountant who authorities say stole nearly $1.6 million from clients has been sentenced to 4 ½ years in prison.

The Star Tribune reports the sentence for 59-year-old Roger H. Goetz Jr. of Waseca was handed down Thursday in federal court in St. Paul. It includes full restitution.

Goetz had pleaded guilty to wire fraud.

Prosecutors say Goetz stole money from his clients and used it for his technology company for at least four years. Court documents say his victims included clients who sought his help with their deceased parents' estates.

The defense had asked for a lesser sentence, including possibly probation. It said in a court filing that Goetz is "unfailingly kind and hardworking" and intended to pay back victims.