ANKENY, Iowa —

Melisa Cox, who admitted to stealing hundreds of thousands of dollars while serving as the CEO of the Ankeny Area Chamber of Commerce, will face a civil trial next year.

Cox is scheduled to face her former employer in court on Dec.7, 2026, as the Ankeny Area Chamber of Commerce is suing her for more than $300,000 in damages.

She was charged with three felonies for using the chamber's credit card for personal expenses and then covering up her theft by manipulating financial records.

A judge gave Cox a suspended sentence and probation.

The Chamber said it is suing because it was never "made whole" by the criminal restitution.

Former CEO gets no jail time after stealing $250,000 from Ankeny Chamber of Commerce

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