MADISON (WKOW) -- Embattled Fort Atkinson contractor Tyler Hansen and his wife were sentenced Thursday for committing fraud throughout Wisconsin.
Tyler Hansen was sentenced in federal court to seven years in prison with three years of supervised release. His wife, Jennifer Hansen, was sentenced to 33 months in prison with three years of supervised release.
"It's been a long three years," Dawn Schmid, one of the 100 victims represented Thursday, said. "It was like a grieving process, and I feel like it still is. But I'm relieved that it's over. there's some closure for me and other victims."
Five victims read statements to Hansen before he was sentenced. All advocated for a maximum sentence as well as restitution. The judge told victims it's unlikely they'll see any money back at all.
Tyler Hansen, 52, pleaded guilty in October to conspiracy to commit wire fraud and money laundering. As a result of the plea, dozens of state cases were dropped.
Hansen was able to address the handful of victims in the courtroom. He said that saying he's sorry isn't enough and he's "disgusted" with himself. Hansen went on to say he would love to make it up to all the people he hurt but knows those bridges are burned.
Jennifer Hansen, 43, also pleaded guilty to money laundering related to her participation in the fraud scheme.
During her sentencing, she told victims that she's sorry but knows her apology won't do anyone any good. Jennifer said she feels like the situation is all her fault because she didn't stand up when things got bad.
Tyler Hansen operated a home improvement business in Dane County and Jefferson County between October 2020 and September 2022. The business operated under multiple names, including Weathersealed Wisconsin and EcoView Windows of South-Central Wisconsin.
Hansen would enter contracts with customers to do home improvement work without ever intending to do the work, according to the Office of U.S. Attorney Timothy O'Shea.
To make it harder for clients to receive refunds, the Hansens would use multiple transactions to deposit the money, depositing it in multiple banks and then transferring those funds to multiple personal accounts.
"I'm still young enough to pull through this kind of drama," victim Royce Babcock said. "As for the elderly that he abused and took all their money, it's going to be tough for them to get back on their feet. Especially in their retirement age."
A restitution hearing for the victims is scheduled for March.
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