Smithfield businesswoman gets nearly 6 years in prison for fraud
Published 3:50 pm Monday, February 7, 2011
NORFOLK—A Smithfield businesswoman will serve nearly six years in prison and must pay $1.2 million in restitution for falsifying loan agreements.
According to court documents, Linda T. Rowland, 61, and her husband owned and operated Rowland Equipment Co. for more than 30 years. The company was primarily involved in the sale and maintenance of tractors, farm equipment and outdoor power equipment.
The company obtained financing for customers for equipment purchases. Rowland from 1998 to 2009 used the names and personal information of 34 customers and residents to obtain more than 120 loans valued at more than $2 million.
The financial services companies lost $1.5 million. Rowland has paid back approximately $300,000.