Deferred judgment, probation for Mason City woman accused of embezzling from Osage Girl Scouts

OSAGE — It’s a deferred judgment and probation for a Mason City woman who was accused of embezzling thousands of dollars from an Osage Girl Scout troop she helped found.

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 in September pleaded guilty to the second-degree theft charge with the ongoing criminal conduct charge being dismissed. In exchange for the plea, prosecutors recommended a deferred judgment, five years probation, restitution to the Girl Scout troop as well as a suspended $1025 civil penalty.

District Judge DeDra Schroeder agreed with the recommendation when sentencing Gueller earlier this week in Mitchell County District Court.