(Atlantic) A Cass County judge ordered former Atlantic Executive Chamber Director Bailey Smith to pay $12,749.72 in restitution to the Atlantic Area Chamber of Commerce after she pleaded guilty to first-degree theft and unauthorized use of a credit card.
The restitution order, filed October 15, follows a September 14 hearing to determine the amount of financial damages attributable to Smith’s criminal conduct.
According to court records, Smith admitted to misappropriating Chamber property and making numerous personal transactions using Chamber funds over a five-year period. She also used Chamber credit cards without authorization. In a letter to the Chamber, Smith acknowledged responsibility for at least $6,006.20 in personal expenses.
Smith pleaded guilty on June 26, 2026, and was sentenced on August 17.
The court determined that $1,113.14 in personal expenses on one card, $2,103.95 on another, $7,032.82 in Walmart purchases and $652.30 in food and beverage purchases were supported by the evidence. The court also identified $1,847.51 in personal expenses Smith received through reimbursement checks from the Chamber.
The court ordered Smith to pay restitution through the Cass County Clerk of Court.
The State of Iowa sought $26,913.22 in restitution. However, the court determined that amount included a $15,038.51 balance on a Chase credit card that the Chamber had not paid and for which Smith was personally liable.
During the restitution hearing, Deputy Ben Bartholomew testified about his investigation, which included reviewing credit card statements, financial documents, and receipts. He worked with Chamber Executive Director Kelsey Beschorner to identify personal purchases that were not legitimate business expenses.
Based on the evidence presented, the court found that Smith owes the Chamber $12,749.72 in restitution.
The court did not include late fees and interest charges, finding insufficient information to determine which charges were connected to fraudulent purchases and how to apportion those costs.
