A Lancaster woman has been handed a two-year prison sentence for her fraudulent dealings with veteran nonprofits, according to the U.S. Attorney's Office. Jessika L. Hiepler, 47, was also sentenced to three years of supervised release and ordered to complete 100 hours of community service, a $10,000 fine, and $432,925.35 in restitution for her actions against American Legion Post 34 and American Veterans Post 19.
The scheme, which netted over $1.425 million, saw Hiepler abusing her position to divert funds and acquire property through deception. Hiepler, who had been charged with two counts of wire fraud last year, pleaded guilty in September. In addition to the prison sentence, she agreed to a forfeiture money judgment of $1,425,847.24 as part of her plea deal. The, defendant exploited her role for nearly 15 years while serving as a board member and financial officer for the two organizations.
According to court documents, Hiepler misrepresented her intentions to "bail out" AMVETS Post 19 in 2019, which was then struggling financially. Portraying herself as an ally to fellow veterans, she promised an interest-free loan, minimal rent, and total transparency. Instead, she misused her powers, concealing self-dealing behind manipulated records, and destroyed financial documentation at both organizations. Hiepler's real estate investment company later sold the AMVETS Post 19’s property for $1.95 million, turning a substantial profit from the fraudulently obtained land.
U.S. Attorney David Metcalf condemned Hiepler, stating, "Jessika Hiepler abused the great reputation of veterans to win the trust of those who support them." Despite her persona of benevolence, her actions betrayed a more mercenary intent. She was quoted as saying, "Honestly all I want is my money. That's it. I could care f[***]ing less about any of them," as mentioned on the U.S. Attorney's Office. This sentiment was indicative of Hiepler's disregard for the communities she purported to serve, leaving her victims in disarray as she boasted about the manipulation.
Wayne A. Jacobs, the Special Agent in Charge of the FBI’s Philadelphia Field Office, underscored the commitment to bring those who exploit such organizations for personal gain, to justice. The case was a cooperative effort, involving the FBI and the Lancaster City Bureau of Police, with Assistant United States Attorneys Samuel Dalke, and J. Andrew Jenemann leading the prosecution.
