CEDAR RAPIDS – A Central City Woman who stole her grandfather’s identity to obtain credit cards in his name and make over $27,000 in purchases was sentenced to 14 months in federal prison.
Jessica Lynn Roloson, 41, received the prison term after an August 11, 2016 guilty plea to one count of Wire Fraud. In a plea agreement, Roloson admitted that, from October 2015 through January 2016, knowing her grandfather’s social security number and date of birth, and living in his former home, Roloson falsely assumed her grandfather’s identity and applied to various credit card companies for accounts under his name, social security number, and former address. The credit card companies issued Roloson credit cards in her grandfather’s name. Roloson used the credit cards on the Internet to fraudulently purchase goods for her own benefit and for the benefit of others. She also made purchases in local stores.
For example, on or about October 29, 2015, Roloson used her grandfather’s name and Social Security number without his permission on an application for a credit card. Then, on or about November 5, 2015, using one of the cards, and using the name of “JLynn Roloson,” defendant caused American Express to wire $205.95 to Victoria’s Secret in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. Defendant did so to obtain property for her personal use, including but not limited to “Pink Yoga Pants,” a “Pink Knit Top,” and a “Bombshell Push Up Brasierre.” As a part of her plea agreement, Roloson agreed to abandon a number of other items that she purchased through her scheme, including a dog kennel, two Dallas Cowboys Zip Up Jackets, two 16 GB iPad mini tablet computers, eyeglasses, a white-and-grey Siberian Husky puppy, a Black Frigidaire refrigerator with side-by-side freezer, a black smooth surface Frigidaire stove, four black office chairs with wheels, a black Frigidaire microware, a black Frigidaire dishwasher, a kitchen sink, an L-shaped desk, a backyard grill, two HP laptop computers with accessories, miscellaneous kitchen utensils, plates, and platters, a pink “selfie stick”, two Bissell cleaners, four Goodyear all-season tires, and a black wire dog kennel.
Evidence at sentencing established that defendant’s grandfather is over 90 years old. He is a WWII veteran, having served under General George S. Patton’s Third Army in the European Theatre. At the time defendant perpetrated her scheme, her grandfather required the use of wheelchair and resided in the Iowa Veteran’s Home in Marshalltown, Iowa. Defendant’s actions adversely affected her grandfather’s credit rating and caused emotional stress upon his elderly wife.
Roloson was sentenced in Cedar Rapids by United States District Court Chief Judge Linda R. Reade. During the sentencing, Judge Reade found that Roloson’s scheme had required significant planning and highlighted the fact that Roloson had yet to pay any restitution. Roloson was sentenced to 14 months’ imprisonment. A special assessment of $100 was imposed, and she was ordered to make over $27,000 in restitution to various credit card companies and merchants. She must also serve a 3-year term of supervised release after the prison term. There is no parole in the federal system.
The prosecution of Roloson is part of the Department of Justice’s Elder Abuse Initiative. In March 2016, the United States Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Iowa was selected as one of ten districts nationwide to launch regional Elder Justice Task Forces. The Elder Justice Task Forces reflect the department’s larger strategy and commitment to protecting our nation’s seniors, spearheaded by the department’s Elder Justice Initiative. The Elder Justice Initiative coordinates and supports the Department’s law enforcement efforts and policy activities on elder justice issues. It plays an integral role in the department’s investigative and enforcement efforts against nursing homes and other long-term care entities that deliver grossly substandard care to Medicare and Medicaid beneficiaries. The United States Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Iowa has rededicated its efforts and resources to investigate and hold accountable those who have been involved in activities incompatible with ensuring that the state’s more vulnerable citizens are treated with dignity and respect.
Roloson was released on the bond previously set and is to surrender to the United States Marshal on January 9, 2017, at 10:00 a.m.
The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Tim Vavricek and investigated by the Linn County Sheriff’s Office.
