A WOMAN has lost her entire life savings after just one trip to the dealership.
Now, the bank told her she may not get back the $130,000.
The scammer, Jason Heikkinen, who is responsible for the loss is now spending two months in jail.
Not only that, he is being ordered to pay more than $175,000 in restitution after his sentencing on Monday, as reported by The Daily Mining Gazette.
Heikkinen worked closely with a car dealership that allowed him to develop relationships with drivers who frequented the shop.
There, he got close to an elderly woman whose bills were managed by a financial institution.
Soon, the scammer saw the opportunity to assist the woman with her financial responsibilities and needs.
After accepting the agreement, Heikkinen began putting all of the woman’s investments and savings into his own name.
What’s worse — he started to sell her personal property.
According to The Daily Mining Gazette, among the items he sold were the woman’s late husband’s tools, gun collection, and even her wedding ring.
The scammer sold all these possessions without the woman or her family knowing.
Her family had the chance to speak at Heikkinen’s sentencing hearing.
The victim’s sister detailed how his actions affected her and her family.
Heikkinen did apologize after the hearing, addressing the victim and her family.
“I’m very sorry that I didn’t do a better job,” he said. “I’m sorry to the family. I’m sorry to my dear friend…”
He expressed remorse, saying, “I will always love (her) and I’m sorry for my actions. They were not my intentions to hurt her. Most of what I did remove…I tried to remove most of the garbage and stuff that would be of no value to anybody.”
I’m very sorry that I didn’t do a better job. I’m sorry to the family. I’m sorry to my dear friend. I will always love (her) and I’m sorry for my actions. They were not my intentions to hurt her. Most of what I did remove. I tried to remove most of the garbage and stuff that would be of no value to anybody.
Jason Heikkinen
The judge pointed out that the scammer took advantage of a vulnerable person, as the victim didn’t even know how to write a check.
But the judge did appreciate Heikkinen’s apology and his sincerity.
“But someone put their trust in you and you took advantage of that trust over and over and over again,” the judge said.
“And you didn’t just prey on her finances, you placed yourself on the deed to her home. You placed yourself as a beneficiary. You took prized possessions – including a wedding ring – and sold them for monetary value for your own benefit.”
It was revealed that the scammer spent more than $130,000 of her life savings.
In the end, he was sentenced to 180 days in jail, a 24-month probation period, and restitution of $179,250.
The victim’s bank and dealership did not immediately reply to The U.S. Sun’s request for comment.
