ADAIR COUNTY, Iowa — A former employee of the Orient-Macksburg Community School District has been arrested on felony theft charges following an investigation into payroll manipulation, according to the Adair County Sheriff’s Office.
Deputies arrested Alisha Louise Giedel, 36, of Creston, on Jan. 12 for first-degree theft, after determining she allegedly stole more than $10,000 from the school district.
Investigators said Giedel manipulated the district’s payroll system to prevent health insurance premiums from being deducted from her paycheck. Giedel worked for the Orient-Macksburg Community School District from approximately May 2021 through May 2024, holding positions that included Human Resources Director, Payroll Clerk, and Accounting Clerk.
According to employment agreements, Giedel was entitled to a “single” health insurance plan at no cost. Employees who selected a “family” plan were required to pay the difference through payroll deductions. Authorities allege Giedel used her unique payroll system login credentials to ensure the employee-paid portion of her family insurance plan was not deducted.
As a result, the school district reportedly lost at least $739.10 per month for a minimum of 32 months, totaling more than $10,000.
Giedel’s bond was set at $10,000 cash or surety, which was posted the same day as her arrest.
