1 of 1
(Undated) -- A Fort Dodge Woman who stole the life-savings of an elderly man, is going to federal prison. Forty-year-old Janice Jurgensen pleaded guilty to one count of wire fraud, and admitted stealing $120-thousand from a nursing home resident. Investigators say the elderly man was a veteran who had suffered disabling effects from a stroke and was also diagnosed with dementia. Investigators say Jurgensen used power attorney to gain access to the man's bank account, and spent his money on food, gas, teachers union fees, "wonder nails," and a dating website. She's been sentenced to two years behind bars.
In a plea agreement and at the sentencing hearing, Jurgensen admitted that, in 2018 and 2019, she stole the life savings of an elderly resident of a nursing home. The victim had lived frugally during his lifetime and was related to Jurgensen.
Investigators say in 2018, Jurgensen hired a lawyer to draft a power of attorney for her victim, which purported to appoint Jurgensen as the victim’s attorney-in-fact with complete authority to manage his financial affairs. The victim ostensibly signed the power of attorney form despite his disabilities. The form stated Jurgensen was not entitled to any compensation and could not make any gifts to herself. After obtaining the power of attorney, however, Jurgensen used a debit card linked to her victim’s bank account to make purchases for her own benefit. As a result of Jurgensen’s crime, her victim lost his life savings and was unable to pay for his nursing home care.
Jurgensen was sentenced in Sioux City by United States District Court Chief Judge Leonard T. Strand. Jurgensen was sentenced to 27 months’ imprisonment. She was ordered to make $122,351.93 in restitution to her victim’s conservator. She must also serve a two-year term of supervised release after the prison term. There is no parole in the federal system. Jurgensen was released on the bond previously set and is to surrender to the United States Marshal’s Service on a date yet to be set.
“Jurgensen callously stole her elderly victim’s life savings. The sentence she received reflects the seriousness of her crime,” Acting United States Attorney Sean R. Berry stated. “Our office will continue to vigorously prosecute those who target the most vulnerable members of our communities.”
Photo from Getty Images