Jessica Russell, Wire Fraud, Vermont 2025

A 42-year-old Barre, Vermont woman has been brought to justice for her role in a heart-wrenching case of elder exploitation. Jessica Russell, 42, of Barre, Vermont, pleaded guilty to two counts of wire fraud before Chief United States District Judge Christina Reiss on January 17, 2025.

According to court records, Russell befriended an elderly Vermont victim who had lost a son. Russell built rapport with the victim by calling her ‘mom’ and falsely telling her that Russell herself had lost a child. The elderly victim, taken in by Russell’s false narrative, granted her a power of attorney, but it only authorized Russell to take legal actions that the victim would have taken if they were able.

As the elderly victim’s health and mental state declined, Russell opened a joint checking account with the victim. The account was funded with over $132,000 that came from the sale of the victim’s home. Of that money, Russell used $68,000 to buy a house in Barton, Vermont, and over $16,000 to buy a 2017 Mitsubishi SUV. Russell put the house in her own name, falsely telling other people that she had bought it with her own money or that she had inherited it. Russell put the SUV in her name as well.

Last year, Russell communicated with a car dealership about making repairs to the SUV, which she continued to represent as belonging to her. The extent of Russell’s deceit is a stark reminder of the dangers of elder exploitation.

United States Attorney Nikolas P. Kerest commended the collaborative investigatory efforts of Homeland Security Investigations and Vermont State Police in bringing Russell to justice.

The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Colin Owyang. Russell is represented by Assistant Federal Public Defender Sara Puls. A sentencing hearing has been scheduled for June 12, 2025, in Burlington.

Defendant’s Information:

Defendant/Respondent: Jessica Russell

Criminal Charges: Two counts of wire fraud

City and State: Burlington, Vermont

Exact Date: January 17, 2025

Sentence or Outcome: Scheduled for sentencing on June 12, 2025

Dollar Amounts: $84,000 defrauded from the elderly victim, $68,000 used to buy a house in Barton, Vermont, and over $16,000 used to buy a 2017 Mitsubishi SUV