ANKENY, Iowa —

The Ankeny Chamber of Commerce is suing its former CEO. Melisa Cox pleaded guilty to four felonies in April . She was accused of stealing more than $250,000 in 2023 and 2024.

According to a lawsuit filed in Polk County, an internal audit and police investigation found she made unauthorized personal charges to the chamber's credit card.

Jan. 1, 2022-June 30, 2022: $26,598.77

July 1, 2022-Dec. 31, 2022: $37,666.47

Jan. 1, 2023-June 30, 2023: $36,410.39

July 1, 2023-Dec. 31, 2023: $48,097.21

Jan. 1, 2024-June 30, 2024: $62,632.56

July 1, 2024-Nov. 13, 2024: $39,940.47

The lawsuit also says Cox transferred chamber money to her personal bank account and altered credit card statements to hide the fraud.

Cox pleaded guilty to theft, unauthorized use of a credit card, mo

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