Former State Employee Charged with Felonies
Jessica Strasser (Mahaska County Jail Photo)
Oskaloosa, IOWA — Today, October 15, 2014, Jessica Strasser, turned herself in to Iowa Division of Criminal Investigation Special Agents at the Mahaska County Jail in Oskaloosa, Iowa. Strasser has been charged with Theft in the First Degree, a class C Felony, and Ongoing Criminal Conduct, a class B Felony.
Assistant Attorney General for the State of Iowa Robert Sand filed the documents with the Mahaska County Clerk of Court on October 9, 2014.
The Office of Auditor of State released a report on October 1, 2014, on a special investigation of the Mahaska County Soil and Water Conservation District, for the time period of March 24, 2006 through August 31, 2013. The special investigation was requested by officials of the Iowa Department of Agriculture as a result of concerns regarding the appropriate use of funds provided to the District.
The investigation identified $279,344.58 of improper disbursements and un-deposited collections. The improper disbursements of $242,103.53 included $241,248.08 of cash withdrawn from the District’s accounts. Strasser’s name was on documentation as the individual who withdrew the cash. Strasser was the Secretary for the District. Strasser resigned from the Iowa Department of Agriculture on August 9, 2013.
The bond was set at $25,000 cash or surety.
The investigation was conducted by the Oskaloosa Police Department and the Iowa Division of Criminal Investigation.
A criminal charge is merely an accusation, and the defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.
