Former Ankeny Chamber CEO pleads guilty to four felonies

The former CEO of the Ankeny Chamber of Commerce pleaded guilty Wednesday to four felonies for stealing from the organization.

Melisa Ginae Cox, 47, of Johnston is accused of stealing more than $250,000 in 2023 and 2024. The defendant admitted that she used more than $10,000 of the organization’s money for personal expenses and property, and she altered chamber records to hide how the money was spent.

She pleaded guilty to three Class C felonies -- first-degree theft, unauthorized use of a credit card in excess of $10,000, and money laundering -- and second-degree fraudulent practice, a D felony. In total, the charges carry a maximum sentence of 35 years in prison.

Ms. Cox is scheduled to be sentenced at 2 p.m. on June 16, after a presentence investigation is completed. As part of the plea agreement, she agreed not to seek a deferred judgment, which means that the conviction will remain on her record. As part of the plea agreement, she must make restitution to the victim.

The case was prosecuted by Assistant County Attorney Jaki Livingston, with assistance from Laurie Bence. The investigation was conducted by Officer Charles Webster of the Ankeny Police Department.