St. Michael Woman Charged With Felony Theft

A St. Michael woman is facing charges of felony theft and financial transaction card fraud after an investigation revealed she racked up charges on account belonging to a sister that was in her care.

Sue Ann Bleess, St. Michael, who turns 34 tomorrow, was put in place as a conservator for her sister, Jessica Johnston, last year, a criminal complaint filed against Bleess filed in Wright County states.

According to that complaint, Johnston, who is collecting Social Security, was under Bleess’ care while Johnston lived with Bleess in St. Michael during late 2010 and early 2011, until Johnston moved back in with the sisters’ parents.

During that stint, Johnston believes Bleess racked up more than $2,000 in charges on a debit card that was associated with a bank account to which the Social Security checks were directly deposited.

Johnston and a friend notified the Wright County Sheriff’s Department of these charges in March 2011.

The complaint states that Bleess had access to the account for Johnston, and only gave Johnston limited access to the account and debit card. Bleess, meanwhile, was the only person who could write checks, transfer money or view balances, all set up under her status at conservator.

Johnston told investigators, and bank statements confirmed, things got out of hand as Bleess went through a separation with her husband and lost her home and business – an in-home daycare.

The complaint states Johnston and a detective found about $2,080 made by the defendant on various bank statements.

Detectives from the Wright County Sheriff’s Department interviewed Bleess and the woman did admit to using the card “a couple of times,” the complaint states.

Bleess has made her initial court appearance and has accepted a court-appointed attorney. Her omnibus hearing is scheduled for August, but that hearing would be delayed by any state government shutdown.

Financial transaction card fraud, a felony, carries a maximum sentence of five years in jail and/or $10,000 in fines. Felony theft also carries five years and/or $10,000 in fines.