A West Des Moines man was arrested Sunday on a Dallas County warrant in connection with an alleged ongoing scheme to steal from and defraud an elderly person.
Alan Steven Kessler, 68, of 8720 Cody Dr., West Des Moines, was arrested on a warrant for first-degree theft, ongoing criminal conduct and securities fraud.
Between January and August 2022, Kessler allegedly “did take possession or control of property of another with intent to deprive the other thereof,” and the “property exceeded $10,000 in value,” according to court records.
The alleged theft “was against an individual who was an older individual at the time the theft was committed,” according to court records, and Kessler “knew or should have known the conduct was directed at an older individual.”
Kessler allegedly used the stolen property “in connection with the offer, sale or purchase of a security” in a “scheme in which to defraud” the victim.
Among the witnesses listed in the trial information were Willis Lexus Inc. in Des Moines and Sampson Corvettes in Sanborn, Iowa, according to court records.
Kessler was held in the Dallas County Jail on a $25,000 cash or surety bond. He is scheduled for arraignment Oct. 14 in Dallas County District Court.
*A criminal charge is merely an accusation, and the defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.
