Couple convicted of bilking elderly parents

Sheila & Roger Tomasek

GOLDEN – A husband and wife team defrauded her parents of their life savings, leaving them penniless and in debt, according to Jefferson County prosecutors.

Monday, Roger Tomasek was sentenced to five years of probation for his role in the crimes. In August, a jury found him guilty on several counts.

His wife, Sheila Tomasek, was sentenced to 10 years in prison in October of 2013 for her part in the conspiracy. It was her third felony theft conviction.

Prosecutors say in March of 2011, Roger Tomasek obtained power of attorney over Fritz and Georgina Mason. Within a week, Roger Tomasek changed the title of their BMW into his name.

Prosecutors say the Tomaseks took over the finances of the elderly couple, taking over $272,000 from their bank accounts between 2011 and 2012.

Investigators say the couple stole the savings, property, jewelry and credit from the elderly parents, using the victims' money to pay off debts and remodel their house.

According to investigators, Sheila Tomasek's brother, Frank Mason, who lives out of state, visited shortly before his father's death in July of 2012. He discovered bounced checks and money missing from his parents' accounts. He reported it to the Jefferson County Sheriff's Office.

Prosecutors say the Tomasek's took steps to legally ban Mason from visiting his parents. Roger Tomasek hired 24-hour caregivers to prevent the elderly couple from seeing Mason.

According to Jefferson County investigators, the Tomaseks left Georgina Mason, 91, a "penniless widow with over $42,000 in debt."

Full Article & Source:
Couple convicted of bilking elderly parents