Rock Rapids, Iowa — The former Treasurer for the George Emergency Medical Services, or GEMS, has changed his plea to guilty in a theft case.
Court records indicate 48-year-old Chad Wessels was charged following an investigation by the Iowa Division of Criminal Investigation, after the agency was contacted last fall about the possibility of missing funds from GEMS. According to the DCI, their investigation allegedly identified approximately $18,000 in unauthorized checks written to Wessels during his time as Treasurer. He is also accused of taking approximately $8,000 in cash donations.
Wessels was charged with First Degree Theft which is a Class C Felony.
Court records say he changed his plea to guilty pursuant to a plea agreement last week, which changes the charge to Third Degree Theft, which is an Aggravated Misdemeanor, not a felony. Wessels agreed to be sentenced to 365 days in jail, with all but 60 days suspended. He agreed to pay fees, charges, and court costs, and will have to pay back over $26,000 in restitution to the George Emergency Medical Service.
