Spencer, IA (northwestiowanow.com) — The former city of Spencer employee charged with theft has plead guilty in exchange for a deferred prison term.
53-year-old Lavonne Bell appeared in Clay County District Court Monday (September 28th) and plead guilty to Theft in the First Degree. In terms worked out with the special prosecutor – Sioux County County Attorney Thomas Kunstle – Bell was sentenced to a ten-year deferred sentence if she successfully completes probation of up to three years and completes financial counseling classes. The deal also included Bell making full restitution of 106 thousand 98 dollars and 13 cents to the city. Bell was also sentenced to one full year in jail for Credit Card fraud with all but 30 days suspended. The 30 day term is to begin October 5th during which time Bell will be allowed work release.
Bell was arrested in February after a special investigation by the State Auditor’s office identified over 46 thousand dollars in stolen cash between January 1st of 2018 and June 30th of 2024 while she served as a finance assistant for the city.
Current City Manager Kevin Robinson – who was NOT City Manager during the term of Bell’s employment – says safeguards have since been put in place.
Kunstle prosecuted the case on behalf of the State of Iowa after the Clay County Attorney’s office stated they had a conflict of interest in the case.
