(KIWA) — A Garretson, South Dakota woman faces two felony charges after authorities say suspicious banking activity included nearly $16,000 in withdrawals and fees at Grand Falls Casino near Larchwood.
According to a criminal complaint filed with the Lyon County Clerk of Court’s Office by the Iowa Division of Criminal Investigation, 79-year-old Judy Kay Ellis was arrested Thursday, July 23.
Alleged Casino Withdrawals
A DCI agent says Ellis served as the caregiver for a dependent adult who died about a year ago. The executor of the victim’s estate later discovered what authorities describe as more than $20,000 in suspicious banking activity.
The activity allegedly included several ATM withdrawals at Grand Falls Casino. Authorities say withdrawals and associated fees at the casino totaled nearly $16,000 during a period of approximately six weeks in 2025.
The complaint does not indicate how the withdrawn money was used.
Ellis Faces Two Felony Charges
Ellis is charged with theft against an older individual, a Class B felony, and financial exploitation of an older individual, a Class C felony.
A Class B felony is punishable by up to 25 years in prison, while a Class C felony carries a maximum sentence of 10 years. Ellis is presumed innocent unless proven guilty.
A preliminary hearing is scheduled for August 3.
At last report, Ellis remained in the Lyon County Jail in Rock Rapids on a $35,000 bond.
