Howell

The former finance director of the Substance Abuse Treatment Unit of Central Iowa headquartered in Marshalltown was sentenced to 25 years in prison Monday for embezzling nearly $83,000 from the not-for-profit organization.

Amy Lee Howell, 37, of Des Moines received the sentence from Marshall County District Court Judge Timothy Finn.

“This is a difficult time for agencies such as SATUCI and your actions have impacted the agency’s ability to effectively serve clients,” said Finn.

Marshall County Attorney Jennifer Miller, representing the state, recommend the 25-year sentence and restitution of $61,532 be paid to SATUCI.

The $61,532 had been determined less an insurance settlement paid to SATUCI.

Miller said Howell had embezzled the funds over a two-year period while making 50 transactions.

Howell’s attorney, Michael Marquess, of Hinshaw, Danielson and Marquess P.C. of Marshalltown, had asked the court to follow Iowa State Department of Corrections pre-sentencing investigation, which recommended a lighter sentence.

“My client is remorseful and has taken full responsibility for her actions,” said Marquess. “My client has a job in Des Moines … it is best she be allowed to work to make restitution.”

Marquess disputed the $61,532 restitution amount.

“I respectfully disagree with the county attorney,” Marquess said. “The pre-sentencing investigation uncovered $57,567.81.”

The MPD and state auditor’s office showed $82,859.17 of undeposited collections and improper disbursements at SATUCI beginning Oct. 1, 2014 through July 31, 2016. Mosiman’s report claimed Howell left work on July 20, 2016 and did not return.

Miller rebutted, and said a follow-up hearing would resolve the disputed restitution amount.

Defendant Howell declined the opportunity to speak at the sentencing when offered the opportunity by Judge Finn.

Howell, also known as Amy Elizabeth Trainer Howell, had been arrested in November of last year after an investigation by the Marshalltown Police Department.

After meeting with SATUCI administration and receiving a full accounting of the loss, the investigation continued with arrest warrants obtained.

The defendant had originally plead not guilty to one count of first-degree theft, a Class C felony; one count of ongoing criminal conduct, a Class B felony; and 14 counts of forgery, all Class D felonies, according to online court documents. resulting from the MPD’s investigation and confirmed by a report issued by State Auditor Mary Mosiman this year.

However in July, Howell changed her plea to guilty to one count of ongoing criminal conduct and one count of unauthorized use of a credit card up to $1,000.

Miller, dropped other counts lodged against Howell In exchange for the plea,

Howell was hired by SATUCI April, 2014. She was responsible for making certain purchases, receiving certain goods and services, presenting disbursements to the board of directors for approval, maintaining supporting documentation and posting payments to accounting records among other duties.

SATUCI is a non-profit, state-funded, community-based agency which has provided substance abuse prevention and treatment services to residents of Marshall, Tama, Poweshiek and Hardin counties since 1980, according to its website.

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Contact Mike Donahey at 641-753-6611 or mdonahey@timesrepublican.com