Rose B. Demers, Misprision of a Felony, Louisiana 2021

A Marrero woman has pleaded guilty to misprision of a felony related to funds received from a fraud victim, announced U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans. Rose B. Demers, 68, of Marrero, LA, entered her guilty plea before U.S. District Court Judge Eldon E. Fallon.

According to the charging documents, Demers received $8,600 from an out-of-state fraud victim on or about July 9, 2021. Rather than contact the authorities, Demers converted some of the funds to her own use and attempted to wire the funds to a person posing as an Internal Revenue Agent.

Demers was acting as a middleman for a fraudster who directed financial fraud victims to send her money, which she would then convert to MoneyGrams, etc., and forward to the fraudster.

Sentencing is set for February 22, 2024. Demers faces a sentence of up to three years in prison, up to $250,000 in fines, and up to one year of supervised release. There is also a $100 mandatory special assessment fee due after conviction.

The case highlights the need for vigilance in protecting against elder fraud. Elder fraud complaints may be filed with the Federal Trade Commission at www.ftccomplaintassistant.gov or at 1-877-FTC-HELP. The U.S. Attorney's Office also provides resources for victims of elder fraud through its website.

U.S. Attorney Evans praised the work of the United States Secret Service and the Jefferson Parish Sheriff's Office, Economic Crimes Section, in investigating this matter. Assistant U.S. Attorney Edward J. Rivera of the Financial Crimes Unit is in charge of the prosecution.

Demers's case serves as a reminder of the importance of reporting suspicious activity to the authorities. If you or someone you know has been a victim of elder fraud, please contact your local adult protective services agency through the Eldercare Locator or by calling the helpline at 1-800-677-1116 Monday – Friday 9am - 8pm EST.

The U.S. Attorney's Office encourages all individuals to be aware of the signs of elder fraud and to take steps to protect themselves and their loved ones.

Demers's exact criminal charges are misprision of a felony, a federal offense that carries a sentence of up to three years in prison, up to $250,000 in fines, and up to one year of supervised release. The case was investigated by the United States Secret Service and the Jefferson Parish Sheriff's Office, Economic Crimes Section.

The crime occurred on or about July 9, 2021, when Demers received $8,600 from an out-of-state fraud victim. She was acting as a middleman for a fraudster who directed financial fraud victims to send her money, which she would then convert to MoneyGrams, etc., and forward to the fraudster.

Demers faces sentencing on February 22, 2024, in U.S. District Court.

Source: https://www.justice.gov/usao-edla/pr/marrero-woman-pleads-guilty-misprision-felony