Probation for former Lakota clerk

     A former Lakota City Clerk charged with theft will serve four years of probation. Amber Shelton was charged last September with second degree theft and non-felonious misconduct in office, after an investigation by the State Auditor found that $7,768.14 in utility payments to the city were misappropriated during Shelton’s time as city clerk. Shelton was Lakota’s city clerk from July 1, 2013 through May 31, 2015.

     Shelton pleaded guilty to the charges in August of this year, and she was sentenced last Monday, Nov. 13. For count one, theft in the second degree, Shelton received a suspended prison sentence of five years and was placed on probation for a period of four years. She was also ordered to obtain a mental health evaluation and undergo all treatment recommended by the health care professionals and/or her probation officer. Furthermore, Shelton was ordered to pay damages to the Kossuth County Clerk of Court, for the benefit of the City of Lakota, in the amount of $13,705.84, plus other fees. She was also ordered to obtain and maintain full-time employment.

     For count two, non-felonious misconduct in office, Shelton’s fine was suspended, but she was ordered to pay attorney’s fees and reimbursement for room and board to the Kossuth County Sheriff.