POLK COUNTY, Iowa – The case against the former Ankeny Chamber of Commerce President and Chief Executive Officer is headed to trial.

Court records show 47-year-old Melisa Cox entered a not guilty plea on Feb. 27.

Cox has been charged with nearly a dozen felonies for allegedly stealing more than $250,000 from the organization during her time as CEO. Police told WHO 13 that a criminal investigation was launched after an internal audit at the Ankeny Chamber of Commerce found “financial irregularities.” 

A pre-trial conference is set for April 3. A jury trial is scheduled to begin on May 5 at the Polk County Courthouse.

Cox, who stated in a document that she made $100,000 in the 12 months before her arrest, was previously granted a public defender, but court filings showed she has since retained a private attorney. She is free on a $75,000 surety bond.

WHO 13 reached out to Cox’s attorney for comment.

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