FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Wednesday, August 14, 2019
PIERRE, S.D. – Attorney General Jason Ravnsborg announced today that Jennifer Ahrendt, 46, of Trent, SD, has been sentenced following a guilty plea entered on May 21, 2019 before 2nd Circuit Court Judge Bradley G. Zell, for the crime of Theft by Exploitation of an Elder or Adult with a Disability, a Class 4 Felony.
Ahrendt was sentenced to 180 days in the county jail, all of which was suspended on the condition that she be placed on probation for a period of 10 years, pay full restitution in the amount of $115,899.13, in addition, while on probation she will not be allowed to manage any finances other than her own.
The conviction results from incidents which occurred between December 29, 2016 and May 11, 2018. Ahrendt was entrusted under a power of attorney to handle the financial affairs of her elderly, now deceased, grandmother. During the time in question she took money from the accounts she was managing on behalf of her grandmother and used the funds for herself, including a large portion which was gambled away.
The DCI Elder Abuse Investigation Unit undertook a comprehensive investigation into this case, including numerous interviews, a review of legal documents, bank records and more. Which in turn enabled the Attorney General’s Office to bring forward a case and gain a conviction.
The South Dakota Attorney General’s Division of Criminal Investigation Elder and Adults with Disabilities Abuse and Financial Exploitation Investigation Unit provides resources and guidance to our law enforcement partners in the investigation and prosecution of these cases.
This case was prosecuted by the South Dakota Attorney General's Office. The case was investigated by the South Dakota Attorney General’s Division of Criminal Investigation Elder and Adults With Disabilities Abuse and Financial Exploitation Investigation Unit, spearheaded by Special Agent Jon Basche.
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The Office of the Attorney General is the chief legal office for the State of South Dakota and provides legal advice to agencies, boards, and commissions of the State as well as representing the State in state and federal court. The Office of Attorney General also handles prosecutions, felony criminal appeals, civil matters, consumer protection issues, and issues formal opinions interpreting statutes for agencies of the state. Visit www.atg.sd.gov to learn more.
CONTACT: Tim Bormann, Chief of Staff, (605) 773-3215
