Nelson-Loupee

A former Marshalltown High School (MHS) business instructor who was arrested last year for embezzling over $10,000 from the Marshalltown Education Association (MEA) has agreed to plead guilty to a single count of felony first-degree theft as she was originally charged, according to court records.

Prosecutors in the case have recommended that Rachel Nelson-Loupee, 49, face a 10-year suspended prison sentence, a $1,370 fine with a 15 percent surcharge, a five-year period of supervised probation, a $300 probation fee, a requirement to pay court costs and fees and a DNA requirement. The plea agreement was filed on Feb. 6, and a hearing with Nelson-Loupee and her attorney, Van Plumb, was held on Feb. 9. Sentencing is currently set for April 20 at 3 p.m. inside the Marshall County Courthouse.

Nelson-Loupee resigned from her position with the district last July, and, in a statement to the T-R after her arrest last April, admitted that she had “made mistakes” and was actively working to rectify them.

“I am, and have been since October, working with a therapist. I am doing the work so that I can be the best wife and mom possible. I will continue to work to make this situation right for all parties involved. I thank you for your support and friendship,” she said at the time.

First degree theft over $10,000 is a Class C felony under Iowa Code.