Judge sentences Central City woman to 14 months in prison for stealing grandfather’s identity to make credit card purchases

A Central City woman was sentenced Tuesday to 14 months in federal prison for stealing her grandfather's identity and opening credit card accounts in his name and secondary cards in her name to make over $27,000 in internet and store purchases.

Jessica Roloson, 41, pleaded guilty in August to wire fraud. The identity theft charge was dismissed Tuesday as part of the plea agreement.

During the plea hearing, Roloson admitted that she assumed the identity of her grandfather, who is over 90, and started opening various credit accounts last October through January.

Roloson lived in her grandfather's former residence and had access to his birth date and Social Security number, the indictment shows. She started buying items on the internet and then obtained secondary credit cards on those accounts in her actual name, court documents show.

For example, Roloson opened an American Express card on Oct. 29 without her grandfather's permission, the indictment shows. It also lists a purchase by 'JLynn Roloson' of yoga pants, a top and a bra from the Victoria's Secret store in Cedar Rapids. This purchase caused American Express to wire $205.95 to the lingerie store.

Roloson didn't have permission from her grandfather or his power of attorney to open any of the accounts, according to the indictment.

As part of the plea agreement, Roloson agreed to give up a number of other items she purchased through her scheme, including a dog kennel, two 16 GB iPad mini tablet, two laptops with accessories, eyeglasses and a Siberian husky puppy. She also had several appliances — a refrigerator, dishwasher, stove, microwave — which she had to give up.

Prosecutors during sentencing pointed out Roloson's grandfather, a World War II veteran who served under General George S. Patton's Third Army in the European Theatre, required a use of a wheelchair and lived in the Iowa Veteran's Home in Marshalltown. His granddaughter's actions adversely affected his credit rating and caused emotional stress upon his elderly wife.

U.S. District Chief Judge Linda Reade found that Roloson's scheme required significant planning, and she pointed out that Roloson hadn't started paying any restitution. Roloson was ordered to pay over $27,000 in restitution to various credit card companies and merchants. She must also serve a three-year term of supervised release following her prison time.

l Comments: (319) 398-8318; trish.mehaffey@thegazette.com