Jessika L. Hiepler, Nonprofit Veterans Organization Theft, Pennsylvania 2024

Lancaster Woman Sentenced to Two Years in Prison for Nonprofit Veterans Organization Theft

A Lancaster woman was sentenced to two years in prison for her role in defrauding two nonprofit veterans organizations, American Legion Post 34 and American Veterans Post 19, out of over $1.425 million.

Jessika L. Hiepler, 47, was sentenced to 24 months in prison, three years of supervised release, a $10,000 fine, 100 hours of community service, and $432,925.35 in restitution for her scheme to defraud the two organizations.

According to court documents, Hiepler served as a board member and manager of American Legion Post 34 for nearly 15 years. In 2019, she offered to 'bail out' American Veterans Post 19, which was facing financial difficulties. Under the pretext of bailing out the organization, Hiepler assumed control over its financial affairs and acquired its valuable four-acre commercial property in Lancaster through theft, deceit, and misrepresentation.

Hiepler used the funds from American Legion Post 34 to raise money for the 'bailout' and then stole from American Veterans Post 19, using its funds for her own benefit. She concealed her self-dealing, manipulated and altered financial records, and destroyed financial and business records at both organizations.

As part of her plea agreement, Hiepler also agreed to a forfeiture money judgment in the amount of $1,425,847.24. The case was investigated by the FBI, with assistance from the Lancaster City Bureau of Police, and was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Samuel Dalke and J. Andrew Jenemann.

'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. These were calculated crimes of greed, not of impulse or desperation, and justice demanded that Hiepler be held to account.'

'Jessika Hiepler and her associate pocketed over one million dollars intended for organizations that support our nation's veterans, and today illustrates our commitment to holding to account anyone who preys on the public for personal profit,' said Wayne A. Jacobs, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI's Philadelphia Field Office.

The case highlights the importance of holding individuals accountable for their crimes, particularly when it comes to nonprofit organizations that rely on the trust of their donors and supporters.

Source: https://www.justice.gov/usao-edpa/pr/lancaster-woman-who-defrauded-nonprofit-veterans-organizations-sentenced-two-years