DES MOINES, Iowa – The former CEO of the Ankeny Area Chamber of Commerce was sentenced during an emotionally charged hearing Wednesday afternoon. Melisa Ginae Cox, 47, of Johnston, received a consecutive sentence of 35 years in prison, which the judge suspended.
“If I could take it back, I would,” she told the court through tears. “I am so, so sorry.”
Cox was placed on probation for five years and ordered to pay restitution after admitting to stealing more than $250,000 and covering up the crimes during her tenure as the leader of the organization.
On April 30, 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 to second-degree fraudulent practice, a Class D felony, in exchange for several other charges being dropped…