PHILADELPHIA, PA – Jessika L. Hiepler, 47, of Lancaster, Pennsylvania, is trading her freedom for two years in federal prison after being sentenced today for a brazen scheme to defraud two nonprofit veterans organizations. U.S. District Judge Jeffrey L. Schmehl didn’t just hand down the prison term; he also slapped Hiepler with three years of supervised release, a $10,000 fine, 100 hours of community service, and a hefty $432,925.35 in restitution. The total take from her deception: over $1.425 million.
Hiepler pleaded guilty in September to two counts of wire fraud after being charged last August. The feds also secured a forfeiture money judgment of $1,425,847.24, meaning the government is coming for the ill-gotten gains. For nearly 15 years, Hiepler held positions of trust – board member, manager, treasurer, and financial officer – with American Legion Post 34. She used that position to launch a calculated, years-long scheme.
In 2019, Hiepler saw an opportunity. American Veterans Post 19 (AMVETS Post 19) was struggling financially. Hiepler offered a “bailout,” but it was a wolf in sheep’s clothing. She swiftly took control of AMVETS Post 19’s finances and, through theft and deceit, acquired their valuable four-acre commercial property in Lancaster. The prosecution painted a picture of a woman who preyed on the generosity meant for veterans, all for her own enrichment.
The evidence presented in court revealed a chilling level of callousness. Hiepler secured the “bailout” with false promises – an interest-free loan, minimal rent, and complete transparency – while simultaneously diverting funds from American Legion Post 34. Once in control, she didn’t just mismanage funds; she outright stole from AMVETS Post 19, concealed her actions, manipulated records, and even destroyed documentation at both organizations. But the most damning evidence? Hiepler’s own words, captured in communications, revealing her contempt for the veterans she was exploiting:
““[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 securing the AMVETS Post 19 property for a mere $500,000, Hiepler’s real estate company flipped it for $1.95 million, netting a cool $1.425 million profit. “Jessika Hiepler abused the great reputation of veterans to win the trust of those who support them,” stated U.S. Attorney David Metcalf. “All the while, she boasted about her schemes, mocked her victims, and celebrated her role in their misfortunes.” The FBI’s Wayne A. Jacobs echoed this sentiment, emphasizing their commitment to protecting veteran organizations from such predatory schemes. The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Samuel Dalke and J. Andrew Jenemann, with assistance from the Lancaster City Bureau of Police.
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Key Facts
- State: Pennsylvania
- Agency: DOJ USAO
- Category: White Collar Crime
- Source: Official Source ↗
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