(Nevada, Iowa) — Two former city officials in Story County have allegedly committed fraud. According to the Story County Sheriff’s Office, former McCallsburg Mayor Chris Erickson and former City Clerk Jennifer Heithoff are charged with felonious misconduct in office, a class D felony; fraudulent practice, a class D felony; and tampering with records, an aggravated misdemeanor. The investigation showed Erickson owed a total of $2,138.03 for water utility bills during a period between September of 2017 through July of 2019. During that time, Heithoff allegedly adjusted Erickson’s account giving the appearance of the balance being paid.

“Subsequent to Heithoff resigning, this amount was zeroed out,” the Sheriff’s Office said in a press release. “Erickson was the only city official known to have access to the billing software during this time.” The investigation also revealed Heithoff was claiming over twice the amount of hours she was authorized to work. She provided no documentation to the city. Heithoff also claimed fraudulent mileage reimbursements. Erickson signed Heithoff’s payroll and mileage reimbursement checks, the Sheriff’s Office said.