Hunter
09/08/26
A former Atkins Iowa city clerk who pleaded guilty to misusing city funds earlier this year has been ordered to pay restitution.
Amber Bell was charged in November 2023 after an audit found unpaid utility bills, employees improperly receiving bonuses, and personal purchases mad on the city’s credit card. Bell was accused of making purchases for meals, alcohol, and at Starbucks.
As part of a plea agreement, charges of ongoing criminal conduct and unauthorized use of a credit card were dropped, and Bell pleaded guilty to felonious conduct in office.
Last week Judge Lars Anderson ordered Bell to repay nearly $56, 800 in restitution. She was also put on probation for two years.