IOWA CITY — Investigators say a $730,000 swindle started with a sweet pitch: an Iowa woman sent friends hand-written notes asking for loans so she could surprise her husband with gifts for his birthday or their anniversary.
Beverly De Ronde, 60, of Pella, would explain that she wanted to buy tools or equipment while there was a big sale. She promised to pay the loans back with interest — but told friends and family to keep the arrangement secret so her husband wouldn’t find out.
In a federal indictment unsealed Thursday, prosecutors say the letters were part of a seven-year scheme in which De Ronde conned co-workers, relatives, friends, and acquaintances. They say she used the money to buy herself antiques, jewelry, Rolex watches, and other items and borrowed more to pay earlier debts.
De Ronde has been charged with 12 counts of mail fraud and ordered to appear Sept. 19 in federal court in Des Moines for arraignment. She could not be reached for comment.
The indictment says she started borrowing money in 2003 and continued through 2010, when she filed for bankruptcy.