(KIWA Staff Photo)Spencer, Iowa (KUOO) — A former financial assistant for the City of Spencer who was investigated for missing funds has been sentenced.
Lavonne Bell, 53, of Spencer was sentenced Monday on charges of first-degree theft, a Class C felony, and credit card fraud, an aggravated misdemeanor.
Bell pleaded guilty to the charges before sentencing as part of a plea agreement.
A 10-year prison sentence on the theft charge was suspended. Bell was placed on probation for up to three years and must successfully complete financial counseling classes.
On the credit card fraud charge, Bell was sentenced to 365 days in jail, with all but 30 days suspended.
Bell was also ordered to pay $106,098.13 in restitution to the City of Spencer.
City officials requested a special investigation by the Iowa State Auditor’s Office, which released a report Feb. 18th. The report found Bell stole nearly $47,000 from the city between Jan. 1st, 2018, and June 30th, 2024, while employed as a financial assistant.
Thomas Kunstle, the Sioux County attorney, was appointed special prosecutor in the case due to a conflict of interest involving the Clay County Attorney’s Office.
