(Spencer)– A former financial assistant for the city of Spencer who was the focus of an investigation into some stolen funds has been sentenced. 53-year-old Lavonne Bell of Spencer was sentenced Monday on charges of theft in the 1st degree…a class C felony, and credit card fraud, an aggravated misdemeanor.
Bell pled guilty to the charges just prior to the sentencing as part of a plea deal. A 10-year prison sentence on the theft charge was suspended. Bell must complete a term of probation not to exceed three years and successfully complete financial counseling classes. She was additionally sentenced to 365 days in jail with all but 30 days suspended for the charge of credit card fraud. Bell was also ordered to pay $106,098.13 in restitution to the city of Spencer.
City officials in Spencer requested a special investigation by the State Auditor, which issued a report on February 18th of this year. It revealed Bell had stolen nearly $47,000 from January 1st , 2018 through June 30th, 2024 from the city of Spencer while employed as a financial assistant for the city.
Thomas Kunstle, Sioux County Attorney, was appointed as special prosecutor in the case due to a conflict of interest with the Clay County Attorney’s Office.
