Lancaster Veteran Fraudster Gets 2 Years

PHILADELPHIA, PA – Jessika L. Hiepler, 47, of Lancaster, Pennsylvania, is headed to federal prison after being sentenced to 24 months for a cold-hearted scheme to defraud two non-profit veterans organizations. U.S. District Judge Jeffrey L. Schmehl didn’t just hand down the prison term; he also tacked on three years of supervised release, a $10,000 fine, 100 hours of community service, and a hefty $432,925.35 in restitution. Hiepler and an associate raked in over $1.425 million through their deceit.

The Department of Justice announced the sentencing following Hiepler’s guilty plea in September to two counts of wire fraud. She was initially charged by information in August of last year. The feds also secured a forfeiture money judgment totaling $1,425,847.24 – a sign they intend to claw back every penny stolen. This wasn’t a spur-of-the-moment act; investigators revealed a nearly 15-year pattern of abuse of trust.

For years, Hiepler held positions of power within American Legion Post 34, serving as a board member, manager, treasurer, and financial officer. In 2019, she saw an opportunity. American Veterans Post 19 (AMVETS Post 19) was struggling financially, and Hiepler offered a “bailout.” But it was a predatory offer. She didn’t offer help; she offered a takeover, swiftly gaining control of AMVETS Post 19’s finances and, crucially, its valuable four-acre commercial property in Lancaster through a web of lies and manipulation. She presented herself as a savior to veterans while lining her own pockets.

The scheme was meticulously planned. Hiepler falsely promised AMVETS Post 19 an interest-free loan and transparency, all while diverting funds from the Legion Post 34 to finance the “bailout.” Once in control, she didn’t just mismanage funds—she outright stole from AMVETS Post 19, using the money for personal gain. Financial records were manipulated, altered, and even destroyed at both organizations to cover her tracks. But the most damning evidence? Hiepler’s own callous words, revealed in court filings:

““[W]e will make our money and they [AMVETS Post 19] can kiss our a[**]” “I am ready to get rid of these motherf[*****]s. . . . I can’t wait for sh[**] to be ours” “I can’t wait to see their face when we hand them their eviction notice” “Wizardry at work / Madoff activated” “Honestly all I want is my money. That’s it. I could care f[***]ing less about any of them.””

Three years after acquiring the AMVETS Post 19 property for a suspiciously low $500,000, Hiepler’s real estate company flipped it for $1.95 million, netting a $1.425 million profit. “Jessika Hiepler abused the great reputation of veterans to win the trust of those who support them,” said U.S. Attorney David Metcalf. “All the while, she boasted about her schemes, mocked her victims, and celebrated her role in their misfortunes.” Wayne A. Jacobs, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI’s Philadelphia Field Office, added, “Our office…will continue to safeguard the integrity of these organizations and bring these fraudsters to justice.” The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Samuel Dalke and J. Andrew Jenemann, with assistance from the Lancaster City Bureau of Police.