MC social worker may have problem with being honest

MASON CITY – A woman fired from her job as a social worker in Mason City who was guilty of a drunk driving hit and run incident two years ago is now accused of a sexual relationship with a client.

Lisa Ann Bailey stands accused of taking a relationship with a client too far. She sent text messages and phone calls and then eventually slept with the client, a state report disclosed. Bailey claims that her judgement was impaired due to medication she was taking, and her boss sent her home from work on multiple occasions because she was too emotionally distraught to work. The Iowa Board of Social work has charged Bailey with practicing social work in a professional relationship while experiencing a mental or physical impairment that adversely affects the ability of the licensee to perform professional duties in a competent and safe manner.

Bailey was fired from her job. A web search shows that Bailey worked at the Mental Health Center of North Iowa Incorporated at 235 South Eisenhower Avenue. A disciplinary contested case hearing shall be held on November 10, 2014 before the Board in Des Moines.

Bailey served 30 days in jail last year after she lost an appeal for a drunk driving hit and run case.

On May 30th, 2013, an Iowa Appeals Court ruled that a district court did not abuse its discretion in sentencing Bailey to jail and fines for drunk driving, leaving the scene of an accident, striking an unattended vehicle and open container of alcohol. The appeals court affirmed the original ruling of district court judge James M. Drew, who at the time of sentencing told Bailey that “You have a prior conviction for this offense. You smashed into a parked vehicle, causing significant property damage. You then left the scene. You then lied about your involvement. You had what I would consider to be on the higher side of tests. Obviously, I’ve seen a lot higher but I’ve seen a lot lower. It’s nothing to sneeze at. And, quite frankly, of all the things I’ve heard this morning the most surprising is you telling me that you still maintain your innocence. I would classify the evidence against you in this case as absolutely overwhelming of your guilt, and I am mystified as to how you can stand here in front of me today and still maintain that you weren’t driving drunk. That just amazes me. And so even yet today we do have a lack of acceptance of responsibility for your actions, and that cannot be ignored.”