George, Iowa — The former Treasurer for the George Emergency Medical Services, or GEMS, has been arrested on a charge of First Degree Theft.
The charge against 47-year-old Chad Wessels reportedly arose from an investigation conducted by the Iowa Division of Criminal Investigation.
According to the DCI, their agency was contacted in September of this year due to concerns about the possibility of missing funds from GEMS. The DCI says the ensuing investigation allegedly identified approximately $18,000 in unauthorized checks written to Wessels during his time as treasurer, which ran from February, 2014 to September of this year. Wessels is also accused of taking approximately $8,000 in cash donations.
Wessels was arrested this past Monday (December 2nd), according to authorities, and is currently out on bond.
First Degree Theft is a Class C Felony. If convicted, Wessels could face a fine of up to $10,000 and a prison term of up to 10 years.
The DCI stresses that a criminal charge is merely an accusation, and a defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
