Iowa Woman Sentenced For Elderly Abuse, Embezzlement

March 05-- Mar. 5--A Pella woman was sentenced Monday in Jasper County Court to three-years probation for embezzlement.

Christan D. Maddison, 36, received her probation order from District Court Judge Thomas Murphy. In addition, Maddison was ordered to pay $750 in fines and will have scheduled evaluations on her mental health.

Maddison was charged with financial exploitation, a class D felony, and dependent adult abuse of a Newton resident after a federal Financial Crimes Enforcement Network tip notified local police of more than $113,799 in potentially misappropriated money.

Jasper County Assistant Attorney Peter Blink recommended a prison sentence for Maddison after listing off the places she spent her money and frequency of the purchases.

"Adult entertainment, tattoos, plastic surgery, going out to eat. Those aren't just getting by," Blink said. "That's why the state, in this matter, is asking for prison, even though it's a first-time offense."

Despite the recommendation, Murphy issued the three-year probation That sentencing, however, did come with a warning for Maddison.

"If you mess up probation, you're probably going to prison," Murphy told Maddison. "Good luck."

According to the Newton Police Department, Maddison allegedly used the funds to purchase $15,500 in plastic surgery, as well as pay her own utility bills, tattoos, rent, car and credit card payments and fast food after she became the elderly victim's power of attorney in February 2017. Authorities were first alerted to the abuse reports in April.

Investigators claim the abuse happened while the victim was in a nursing home and unable to manage her own financial accounts. A reported $194,533 in annuities, investments and social security payments over 14 months were deposited into an account managed by Maddison. Police said $80,756 did go to the victim's care during that time period, leaving the $113,779 in missing money.

Maddison was charged July 1 and was released pending her scheduled court appearance at 8:30 a.m. Aug. 14.

Contact Orrin Shawl at 641-792-3121 ext. 6533 or [email protected]

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