Charges filed after more than $23,000 of insurance costs not paid by O-M Schools payroll clerk

A Creston woman, once employed by the Orient-Macksburg Schools, was taken into custody Jan. 12, on an Adair County warrant for the charge of first degree theft, a Class C felony, after more than $23,000 in payroll deductions were not taken from her monthly check over the course of 2.5 years during her employment.

Alisha L. Geidel, 36, of Creston, who was employed August 2021 through March 2024 by O-M Schools, held positions of human resource director and payroll/accounting clerk at the school. As an employee, Geidel was eligible to receive a “single” health insurance plan at no cost to her. Most employees, including Geidel, could elect “family” coverage and pay the difference between the two plans by monthly payroll deductions.

Based on software log-in information unique to Geidel, it was determined while Geidel was employed as the payroll/accounting clerk, she manipulated the payroll system in order to not have the monthly deduction of at least $739.10, taken out of her check for at least 32 months.

This resulted in a financial loss to the school of at least $23,651. Geidel posted bond in the amount of $10,000 cash or surety and was released from the Adair County Jail the same day.

After Geidel was charged, Adair County Attorney Melissa Larson, citing a conflict of interest of her office which would prevent her from handling the case, requested the court assign a special prosecutor and remove her office from prosecuting. On Jan. 13, the court appointed Dallas County Attorney Matt Schultz as prosecutor.

Attorney Rod K. Maharry, acting as counsel for Geidel, appeared on her behalf in Adair County District Court Jan. 15 and entered a plea of not guilty and waived a preliminary hearing on the charge.

It is unknown when the next court proceeding will be.