Man Gets 9 Years For Swindling Friend Out Of Life Savings

MINNEAPOLIS (WCCO) – A Minneapolis man was swindled out of his life savings when he tried to help a friend in need.

Investigators say Thomas Syzdek was going through a divorce and asked his friend, William Meredig, if he could stay with him.

During that time, Meredig suffered a stroke.

Investigators say Syzdek then had Meredig's investment company issue a check for the balance of his account, worth more than $57,000 dollars.

"Along the way we learned of all the other crimes that Syzdek had been involved in. Other identity theft against friends, identity theft against employers," Hennepin County Attorney Mike Freeman said.

Meredig was tipped off when the IRS contacted him for failure to report the liquidation of his retirement account.

Investigators say Syzdek also illegally obtained credit cards in Meredig's name.

A judge sent Syzdek to prison for nine years.