Photo: Des Moines News Studio Account
The former CEO of the Ankeny Chamber of Commerce is receiving a suspended prison sentence with probation and restitution after admitting to stealing more than $250,000 from the organization for personal use.
47-year-old Melisa Cox pleaded guilty to three felony charges in April of 2025.
District Court Judge Brad McCall sentenced Cox to 35 years in prison on Wednesday, which was suspended, and placed her on five years probation.
Assistance Polk County Attorney Jaki Livingston asked for prison time.
The Ankeny Chamber was indemnified by insurance for $100,000, so Cox must pay more than $150,000 in restitution to the Ankeny Chamber.
During her sentencing Cox said:
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.
Tony Mills, the board president of the Ankeny Chamber of Commerce, made a victim statement on behalf of the board members:
The embezzlement of over $250,000 from our organization was not only a serious financial crime; it was a profound betrayal of the values we uphold.
Mills also asked Judge McCall in closing to consider not only the money lost, but the damage done to the Chamber's reputation.