Travel agent jailed for defrauding clients
A former Redding, CA travel agent is beginning a four-year jail term after being convicted of a string of offenses including grand theft, identity theft, credit card fraud and embezzlement.
Jason Olson, former owner True Vacation Travel, had entered a no contest plea against charges he swindled thousands of dollars from customers.
Offenses date back to 2015 and along with the jail term he is required to repay $42,536 in restitution.
Shasta County Superior Court judge Cara Beatty handed down the maximum prison term allowed under the plea bargain deal.
In summing up, judge Beatty pulled no punches in describing Olson’s conduct.
"He took advantage of his position of trust."
The judge also said he seemingly took great satisfaction in seeing the emotional and financial harm he caused his victims.
"There is some evilness to it," Beatty added.
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Editor for TravelMole North America and Asia pacific regions. Ray is a highly experienced (15+ years) skilled journalist and editor predominantly in travel, hospitality and lifestyle working with a huge number of major market-leading brands. He has also cover in-depth news, interviews and features in general business, finance, tech and geopolitical issues for a select few major news outlets and publishers.
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