Woman Who Stole $145,000 From County Health Center Sentenced To 15 Years

MORGAN COUNTY, Mo. — A former county employee who stole $145,000 from taxpayers was sentenced to 15 years in prison on Thursday, June 16.

Melissa Dawn Owsley pleaded guilty to Class-A Felony Identity Theft and Class-B Felony Theft, after an investigation revealed she had stolen from the county health center. She was sentenced to 15 years for each of the two felonies, with the sentences to be served concurrently.

Under the state’s “shock incarceration” program, however, Morgan County Prosecutor Dustin Dunklee says the county could get its money back, and Owsley could have the chance to spend only four months in prison. But she would be required to pay back everything she stole—or return to prison for 15 years.

Dunklee said Owsley must complete the prison’s 120-day shock incarceration program, after which she will be released on probation. During a probation period of five years, she would be required to make a minimum monthly payment to pay back the $145,000. Owsley has already paid back $22,000, to zero the balance on the Health Department credit card. At the end of five years, she would have to pay the full remaining amount, or return to prison for 15 years.

“Losing $145,000.00 of the tax payer’s money that would directly benefit the Health Center was not something I was willing to do,” Dunklee said. “This outcome was the only option available that allowed for a prison sentence and the collection of restitution.”

The theft was discovered when the health center contacted the sheriff’s office and, during an investigation, several discrepancies in the financial records were discovered, according to authorities. The investigation narrowed the suspects to one person: Owsley.

Authorities say she admitted taking the funds; they estimate she had been stealing from the health center since 2013. During that time, she stole approximately $145,000.

Owsley has a history of financial troubles, with multiple suits resulting in wage garnishments.