ESCANABA — A former local insurance agent was sentenced in Delta County Circuit Court Monday to four months in jail and probation and ordered to pay over $60,000 in restitution.

Richard Paul Jensen, 71, of 7380 Lake Bluff 194 Road in Gladstone, pled no contest to one count of embezzlement, agent or trustee $1000 or more but less than $20,000.

Jensen is the former owner and agent of Farm Bureau in Escanaba and embezzled thousands of dollars from multiple individuals during his time with the agency.

In addition to several letters from victims, the court heard three statements from individuals Jensen had swindled.

David Robere spoke on behalf of his mom, one of Jensen’s victims.

He explained that Jensen was a friend to his parents, and they would even meet with him at their home and serve him a meal. Robere read that Jensen continued to lie to his parents, and they believed he was waiting for them to pass away before his actions came to light.

“I spent a lot of time crying, unable to sleep, worrying, stressed out about all the trouble. Mr. Jensen has caused me. Some days, I thought I would lose my mind over this,” Robere read.

Victim Assistance Coordinator Erin Wery read a letter from the Sanders, the new agents and owners of Farm Bureau Insurance – Scott Sanders Agency.

The letter explained that Sanders transitioned into Jensen’s former business in 2022, and they believed they were acquiring a trusted and established business.

“Unfortunately, we were misled, defrauded and are now dealing with the devastating consequences of Mr. Jensen’s deliberate actions,” Wery read.

The Sanders said they discovered tens of thousands of dollars were embezzled from clients. Specifically vulnerable clients, including an elderly couple and a family with a young child going through chemotherapy.

The letter explained that Jensen’s actions caused financial and emotional issues and negatively impacted the agency’s reputation and operations.

“While Rick (Jensen) is out golfing, traveling, and carrying on like he had done no wrong, we were at the office, cleaning up his mess. He thought only of himself and no one else,” Wery read.

Finally, Joel LaFleur spoke, saying he considered Jensen a friend, and he and his wife trusted him to do the right thing with the checks given to him.

“Rick, I can’t believe you’d do that to your friends. It’s unbelievable that a man of your gesture would do that to your friends,” he said.

Delta County Prosecuting Attorney Lauren Wickman said it was clear, based on the victim’s statements, that Jensen stabbed the individuals who trusted him in the back. She added that the depth of Jensen’s theft is unknown, and the court should use Jensen’s actions as a deterrent from other individuals who are considering committing similar offenses.

Defense Attorney Trent Stupak pointed to Jensen’s background, saying he has no prior offenses and willingly cooperated with authorities during the initial investigation.

He also said Jensen was put on strict bond rules, including a GPS tether and house arrest, showing he is complying with his bond restrictions. Stupak added that Jensen has not had any bond violations and is now retired, meaning he does not pose a threat to the public regarding embezzlement.

“There’s no need for this court to be worried about the safety of the public because he’s never committed any other crime. He simply no threat to the public in this type of crime anymore,” Stupak said.

He added that Jensen recently underwent a mental health assessment because he has struggled with his mental health and alcohol abuse.

Before sentencing, Jensen was allowed to address the court.

“I want to apologize to all my clients; as they stated, they were friends, and I betrayed their trust. I’m sorry for that,” Jensen stated.

Judge John Economopoulos deliberated before handing down his sentencing. He focused on the restitution owed to the victims, saying while it won’t make them whole, it is the best thing that Jensen can do to begin to make up for his actions.

“The restitution needs to be paid. You can never repay the peace of mind that you stole from these people. You’ll never be able to repay that, but your apology plus your restitution plus you living a lifestyle from this point forward that never again resembles this thing that you became over these years is about the best you can do to patch up a gaping wound that will heal in some way, but will always have a residue of a scar until you’re no longer with us,” Economopoulous said.

He added that Jensen’s priority should be paying the restitution. If he owes money, he should owe it to his friends, a bank, or even a loan shark rather than the victims of his crime.

He was ordered to pay restitution in the amount of $61,655,47.

Jensen was ultimately sentenced to four months in jail and probation for two years. As part of his probation, he may not leave the state, gamble, consume alcohol or other substances or patronize establishments where the primary purpose is the sale of alcoholic beverages.

Jensen was also ordered to pay $703 in fines and fees in addition to the restitution owed to the victims.