Fort Dodge Man Charged for Stealing Former Employer's Checkbook

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A 42-year-old Fort Dodge man named Shawn Michael Jones has been taken into custody for allegedly stealing a checkbook from his former employer and using it to make around $3,700 in fraudulent purchases at six different stores. Jones was fired from the company in December 2025 and is now facing charges of ongoing criminal conduct, forgery, and third-degree theft, as well as being charged as a habitual offender.

Why it matters

This case highlights the ongoing issue of employee theft and fraud, which can have significant financial and reputational impacts on small businesses. It also raises questions about the effectiveness of parole and probation systems in preventing repeat offenses.

The details

According to court records, Shawn Michael Jones stole a checkbook belonging to his former employer after being fired in December 2025. He then allegedly forged the owner's signature to make around $3,700 in purchases at six different stores. Jones was already on parole for a previous second-degree theft conviction out of Sac County when these new alleged crimes occurred.

• Jones was fired from his employer in December 2025.
• Jones was taken into custody on February 3, 2026.

What’s next

Jones is being charged as a habitual offender, which requires him to serve at least 70% of his sentence before being eligible for parole. The judge will determine the length of his sentence.