Estate Sales Businesswoman Sentenced For $160K Fraud

MINNEAPOLIS (WCCO) -- An estate sales businesswoman has been sentenced to 10 years of probation and 270 days in the Hennepin County workhouse for defrauding 16 people out of nearly $148,000, the Hennepin County Attorney's Office announced Friday.

County Attorney Mike Freeeman says Mary Jane Thompson, 72, will get two years in prison if she violates the terms of her probation.

According to the criminal complaint, Thompson, who operated a business that conducted moving and estate sales, failed to pay 16 people funds she owed them for sales held during July 2013 through December 2014.

"Each of the victims in this case trusted Mary Jane Thompson and had their trust violated by Mary Jane Thompson," Assistant Hennepin County Attorney John Halla said. "They felt violated, felt helpless and were put through great stress and great strain."

Two conditions of Thompson's probation are that she not hold any job with a fiduciary capacity and that she consistently make restitution. She was also ordered to appear before the judge every her of her probation to review her finances to make sure she's not keeping money from the victims.