Administrative Assistant Allegedly Embezzles Over $40,000 from Alexandria Public Schools
An Alexandria woman has been charged with embezzling over $40,000 from Alexandria Public Schools, where she worked as an administrative assistant. Melanie Ann Belsheim, 35, is facing felony charges that could result in a maximum sentence of 10 years in prison or a fine of up to $20,000, or both.
The charges were filed on Nov. 12 in Douglas County District Court. According to the statement of probable cause, Belsheim allegedly embezzled cash from various school activities such as open gym, pickleball, and Shenanigans. She is also accused of enrolling her children in a program and manipulating records to avoid paying for it.
Belsheim admitted to stealing $2,000 over a 6-month period and resigned on the same day. The investigation revealed missing funds from various school activities, totaling $40,685 over the course of her employment.
In a separate case, an Ohio man, Trevor James Beisser, has been sentenced in Douglas and Pope counties for charges related to criminal sexual conduct. Beisser had communicated online with a 15-year-old girl and drove to Alexandria to meet her, where they engaged in sexual intercourse.
Beisser was sentenced to 15 months in a correctional facility in St. Cloud for the Douglas County charge, with the sentence stayed for 15 years. He must also pay fines and fees and follow strict conditions. In Pope County, Beisser was committed to a correctional facility for 20 months, with the sentence stayed for five years. He must also pay fines and fees and serve time in jail.
The incidents involving Belsheim and Beisser have raised concerns about safety and security in the community, prompting authorities to take action to ensure justice is served.
