March 19, 2024

Iowan cleared of theft charge files libel suit

MASON CITY— A northern Iowa woman whose theft case was dismissed has filed a lawsuit against her former employer, alleging libel and slander.

Tracy Hassman, 44, filed the lawsuit on Monday against Prairie Ridge Addiction Treatment Services of Mason City and its executive director. Hassman, of Nora Springs, was charged in March 2013 with stealing more than $10,000 from the agency while working there. The charge was dismissed this past March at the request of Prairie Ridge.

Court documents say that on or about Nov. 16, 2012, Prairie Ridge employees told Mason City police that Hassman had embezzled from the organization. Her lawsuit says the allegations were false and that defendants knew or should have known they were false.