Charges - Rochester Man Took $46K From Woman With Dementia

Rochester, MN (KROC-AM News) - Multiple felony theft charges have been filed against a Rochester man accused of stealing tens of thousands of dollars from a woman suffering from dementia and aphasia.

The criminal complaint filed in Olmsted County Court against 50-year-old Jesse Koran Lequia says an Olmsted County Sheriff's Office investigator received a complaint from the Minnesota Adult Abuse Reporting Center concerning multiple transfers of money out of the victim's bank account. The charges say the investigator identified 12 transfers into an account owned by Lequia between late November 2023 and late March of this year that totaled $46,400.

Jesse Lequia criminal complaint - Olmsted County Court

The court document says the victim was unable to assist in the investigation due to her ailments, but Lequia later admitted to taking money from the woman using her online banking app on her phone. The complaint says, in his statement to investigators, Lequia stated that his actions were due to a gambling addiction and the money was spent at the Treasure Island Casino and in Las Vegas.

Get our free mobile app

Lequia has been charged with five counts of felony theft. He has been directed to report to Olmsted County Court in January for arraignment on the charges.

Minnesota’s Longest Drive-Thru Light Show

The Kiwanis Holiday Light Display is free, but cash and non-perishable food donations are accepted. All money collected is given to area non-profits. Since opening in 2012 the event has raised more than $500,000 for local charities.

Gallery Credit: troy dunken