A former City of Spencer finance assistant has been sentenced to 30 days in jail and ordered to pay $106,098.13 in restitution following convictions for theft and credit card fraud.
According to a news release from Sioux County Attorney Thomas Kunstle, Lavonne Marie Bell, 53, of Spencer, was sentenced in Clay County District Court for first-degree theft, a Class C felony, and credit card fraud, an aggravated misdemeanor.
Kunstle served as special prosecutor because of a conflict of interest involving the Clay County Attorney’s Office.
Audit and Plea Agreement
The case followed a special investigation by the Iowa Auditor of State’s Office. According to the prosecutor’s release, a report issued February 18, 2026, identified $46,098.13 stolen from the city between January 1, 2018, and June 30, 2024, while Bell served as finance assistant.
Bell pleaded guilty to first-degree theft on September 28, 2026. Under a partial plea agreement, prosecutors recommended a conviction with a suspended prison sentence and a 30-day jail term for credit card fraud. Bell’s attorney requested deferred judgments.
Both sides agreed Bell would be ordered to pay $106,098.13 in restitution to the City of Spencer.
Suspended Prison Sentence and Jail Time
The court considered impact statements from 10 victims, including seven who presented their statements in person, before entering convictions on both offenses.
Bell received a 10-year prison sentence, which was suspended, and was ordered to complete a probation term of up to three years and financial counseling classes.
The court also imposed 365 days in the Clay County Jail, with all but 30 days suspended. Bell is scheduled to begin serving her jail term on October 5, 2026. Work release is permitted under the jail’s rules.
