McKibbin

A Marshalltown woman turned herself in to local authorities on Friday over allegations that she embezzled at least $40,000 from local nonprofits she had been involved with over the last several years.

April Marie Lee McKibbin, 45, was charged with first degree theft, a Class C felony, second degree theft, a Class D felony, and forgery, a Class D felony, and she turned herself in at the Marshall County Jail on Friday. In a press release issued by the Marshalltown Police Department (MPD), the names of the nonprofit entities she is alleged to have stolen from are not provided.

According to the release, the MPD launched an investigation on Nov. 13, 2024 after an organization reported money misappropriated from their bank account by McKibbin. The organization also shared fictitious bank statements that McKibbin had allegedly provided to them in an attempt to cover up her crimes.

Investigators later discovered that McKibbin also misappropriated money belonging to another not for profit organization. In total, she is alleged to have stolen over $40,000 between the two entities.

McKibbin most recently served as the Marshall County economic development director for the Marshalltown Area Chamber of Commerce, a position that was created due to a new three-year, $300,000 contract between the Chamber and the county approved by the Board of Supervisors last June.

McKibbin started that job in September and was terminated as a result of the investigation on Dec. 2. In a prepared statement, Chamber President/CEO John Hall said his organization was not the victim of any embezzlement or theft.

“This action was taken following information brought to our attention on Nov. 18, 2024, regarding an investigation initiated by the Marshalltown Police Department. The investigation involves allegations that the individual engaged in financial misconduct related to her volunteer roles with other nonprofit organizations. The Chamber and our financials were not a subject of this investigation. Upon learning of this investigation, the employee was immediately placed on administrative leave pending further review. Following this due process, the Chamber made the decision to terminate her employment,” Hall wrote. “We want to assure our members, investors, elected leaders, and the public that there is no evidence or reason to believe that any financial impropriety occurred within the Marshalltown Area Chamber of Commerce during the individual’s tenure. Our organization is committed to maintaining sound fiscal management and accountability in all aspects of our operations.”

Hall also cited safeguards and redundancies the Chamber has put in place to avoid such situations, including mail being retrieved by one individual and opened by another, checks being stored under lock and key and monitored by video surveillance, two signatures being required on any check issued by the organization (one from Hall himself and another from a member of the executive committee), a monthly review of all staff credit card purchases, board of directors oversight of financial reports and contracts with professional accounting firms.

“The Chamber is steadfast in its commitment to constant review and improvement of its financial policies and procedures, ensuring alignment with best practices and industry standards for oversight and ethical financial practices,” Hall wrote. “We appreciate the support and trust of our members and stakeholders and will continue to uphold the values and integrity of the Marshalltown Area Chamber of Commerce.”

Hearing and court dates in McKibbin’s case have not yet been set. The Marshall County Economic Development position has not been filled since her departure and currently remains vacant.