Mason City woman accused of stealing money from Girl Scout troop enters into plea agreement

OSAGE — A Mason City woman who was accused of embezzling thousands of dollars from an Osage Girl Scout troop she helped found has entered a guilty plea in the case.

30-year-old Kennika Gueller was originally charged with ongoing criminal conduct, a Class B felony punishable by up to 25 years in prison, as well as second-degree theft after authorities said she stole just under $6000 from the troop for personal purchases in Mason City, Manly, Charles City, Osage, as well as online.

A criminal complaint states the money was taken from the troop’s bank account and the proceeds of cookie sales.

As part of a plea agreement with prosecutors, Gueller on Wednesday pleaded guilty to the second-degree theft charge with the ongoing criminal conduct charge being dismissed. In exchange for the plea, prosecutors say they’ll recommend a deferred judgment, five years probation, restitution to the Girl Scout troop, as well as a $1025 civil penalty that would be suspended.

Gueller is scheduled to be sentenced on November 5th in Mitchell County District Court.