DES MOINES – She’s white, she’s blonde, and is she now emboldened? This disgraced former Iowa chamber of commerce big shot stole $250,000 from her job prancing about town conducting ribbon-cutting ceremonies, and the American justice system declared she shall serve probation, with no jail time.
Melisa Ginae Cox, 47, of Johnston, admitted to stealing more than $250,000 in 2023 and 2024. On April 30, she pleaded guilty to three Class C felonies—first-degree theft, unauthorized use of a credit card in excess of $10,000, and money laundering—and second-degree fraudulent practice, a D felony.
The former CEO of the Ankeny Chamber of Commerce was given a suspended sentence with probation and restitution on Wednesday.
She faced up to 35 years in prison, which District Court Judge Brad McCall suspended, and placed her on probation for five years.
The Ankeny Chamber was indemnified by insurance for $100,000 so the defendant is required to pay restitution in the amount of $152,637.11.
Cox told the court, “What I did was selfish, and I hurt everyone around me. My heart is broken about what I did, and I deserve to be here today.”
Her attorney, Nicholas Lombardi, argued for probation, saying, “She has worked very hard since November, when all of this started to happen, to try and make it right.”
Assistant County Attorney Jaki Livingston asked for prison.
Tony Mills, the board president of the Ankeny Chamber of Commerce, made a victim impact statement on behalf of the board members, many of whom were present. He told the Court, “The embezzlement of over $250,000 from our organization was not only a serious financial crime; it was a profound betrayal of the values that we uphold.” In his closing, he asked Judge McCall to consider not only the money lost but the damage done to the Chamber’s reputation through Ms. Cox’s action.
The former CEO of the Ankeny Chamber of Commerce pleaded guilty on April 30 to four felonies for stealing from the organization.
The case was prosecuted by Assistant County Attorney Jaki Livingston, with assistance from Laurie Bence. The investigation was conducted by Officer Charles Webster of the Ankeny Police Department.
(Also pictured at top, disguised as a CEO as she stole hundred of thousands of dollars.)
1 thought on “White, blonde Iowa chamber of commerce big shot that stole $250K gets probation”
Wonder how much money she gave to the Republicans in the state to get this slap on the wrist.