KDSN RADIO News
Former Atlantic Area Chamber Director arrested on Theft, Fraud & other charges
(Atlantic, Iowa) – The Cass County (IA) Sheriff’s Department reports former Atlantic Area Chamber of Commerce Executive Director, 33-year-old Bailey Linn Smith, of Atlantic, was arrested today (Wednesday) on multiple charges, after she turned herself in on a Cass County Sheriff’s Office warrant. She was booked into the Cass County Jail, with a bond set at $100,000. Smith was released (Oct. 8th) after posting a $10,000 (10%) cash bond. She is set to appear in Cass County District Court on Oct. 14th, at 9:30 a.m.
According to online court records, Smith faces charges that include:
- Ongoing Criminal Conduct – Unlawful Activity – A Class B Felony (Alleged Offense date 1/1/2020)
- And, three Class C Felonies that include: Fraudulent Practice 1st Degree (Alleged Offense date 11/14/22); Theft 1st Degree, and Unauthorized Use of Credit Card Over $10,000 (Alleged offense dates 1/1/2020).
Officials with the Atlantic Area Chamber of Commerce Board issued a statement this afternoon with regard to Smith’s arrest. The statement said:
“On August 29, 2025, the Chamber Board placed Ms. Smith on unpaid administrative leave after concerns arose regarding financial matters. Following its internal review, the Board ended her employment on September 15, 2025. The Chamber has fully cooperated with the Cass County Sheriff’s Office throughout this process.”
Board President Anne Quist said, “Our duty as a Board is to protect the Chamber and act in the best interests of our members and community. We took immediate action to address concerns, completed a thorough review, and have acted promptly to ensure the integrity and stability of the organization moving forward.”
Details regarding the arrest, charges, and proceedings are being handled by law enforcement and the courts. The Chamber Board of Directors will issue no further comments while this legal process is unfolding, except to say “The Atlantic Area Chamber of Commerce has served as a cornerstone of the community for decades, supporting local businesses, fostering economic growth, and promoting the vitality of Atlantic. The organization remains strong and will continue to serve as an important and trusted part of the community. Chamber operations continue without interruption under the direction of the Board and Program Director Kelsey Beschorner.”
Full News Listings
