Rochester man accused of stealing more than $40K from woman
Mar. 11—ROCHESTER — A Rochester man is accused of transferring more than $46,000 to his bank account from a woman who had dementia.
Jesse Koran Lequia, 50, appeared virtually on Tuesday, March 11, in Olmsted County District Court.
Lequia was charged in November 2024 with five felony counts of theft after an adult abuse report revealed that a Rochester woman, diagnosed with dementia and aphasia, was missing more than $40,000.
During Tuesday's hearing, Lequia asked the court for a continuance as he continues searching for an attorney. His next hearing is scheduled for April 9.
According to the criminal complaint, the Olmsted County Sheriff's Office was assigned an Adult Protection Investigation case on April 3, 2024.
The investigation revealed that the missing money was transferred into an account owned by Lequia, the complaint said.
Law enforcement interviewed Lequia on April 16, 2024. He said because the woman's medical conditions were "getting bad," she needed assistance with everyday tasks, like making dinner and doing laundry. Lequia lived with the woman but did not pay rent to her.
Lequia told police he did not manage her money. Lequia said he was trying to help the woman pay seven years of unpaid taxes.
He then admitted to taking money from the woman by using her online banking app on her phone. He said he spent the money at the Treasure Island Casino and in Las Vegas.
In total, Lequia transferred $46,400 to his account from November 27, 2023, through March 24, 2024.
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