Mason City police are charging the former manager of the North Iowa Fair with second-degree theft as part of an investigation into misappropriation of funds. Fifty-one-year-old Wanda Kruse of Rockwell was arrested earlier today as part of the ongoing investigation by the Mason City Police Department and members of the North Iowa Fair Board into the Fair Association’s accounts and purchases under the direction of Kruse.
Kruse was placed on paid administrative leave back in May by Fair Board president Dennis Higgins because of what was termed at the time as unprofessional actions and questionable financial transactions. Police Lt. Frank Stearns says in a news release that investigators found Kruse was in possession of just over $3,100 worth of property at her residence in Rockwell that was purchased with North Iowa Fair Association funds.
Second-degree theft by misappropriation of funds is a Class D felony, punishable by up to five years in prison and up to a $7,500 fine. Police say the investigation is ongoing and anybody with additional information regarding this case is asked to contact the Mason City Police Department. Kruse is being held in the Cerro Gordo County Jail on $5,000 bond.
The case is being prosecuted by the Hancock County Attorney’s Office.
By Bob Fisher, KRIB, Mason City