DES MOINES, Iowa — A Marshalltown High School teacher, Rachel Nelson-Loupee, has been placed on administrative leave after being charged with first-degree theft for allegedly embezzling over $10,000 from the Marshalltown Education Association (MEA), the teachers’ union for the district.
According to a release from the Marshalltown Police Department, the 48-year-old teacher turned herself in to authorities on Monday after a lengthy investigation. Lt. Anthony Accola confirmed that Nelson-Loupee is accused of stealing the funds between December 2023 and December 2024.
The theft was reported on December 3, 2024, by the Marshalltown Education Association, prompting an investigation. According to a criminal complaint, Nelson-Loupee admitted to taking the funds over an extended period of time. She was initially scheduled to turn herself in on April 17, 2025, but did not appear as required.
In response to the arrest, the Marshalltown School District issued a statement acknowledging the situation and confirming that Nelson-Loupee had been placed on administrative leave pending the outcome of the investigation.
Nelson-Loupee is scheduled for a preliminary hearing on May 9th, where formal charges will be addressed.
