Former Cross Plains EMS Chief Erica Jensen, 38, is accused of defrauding taxpayers out of up to $40,000, according to NBC15. Jenson’s four felony accusations include uttering a forgery, two counts of theft–false representation between $10,000–100,000, and theft–false representation between $2,500–5,000.
Jensen served as a part-time chief from April 2019–January 2020, after which she served as full-time chief until her resignation on Dec. 16, 2022. According to the criminal complaint, Jensen was on family leave from May 24, 2022–Sept. 1, 2022 and should have returned to work on Aug. 16. She is accused of flubbing the system so she would be paid her regular salary, totaling up to an extra $40,000 in her pocket.
Jensen’s other charges stem from getting paid for overtime she never worked or was eligible for; taking extra vacation days; and cashing in on sick leave. She is also accused of being paid after she resigned last December.
A Cross Plains Area EMS district board member reported the alleged crimes on March 10. Board members had reportedly spoken with Jensen on March 1, when she allegedly made several admissions, including that her position was salaried and therefore ineligible for overtime pay. Jensen did, however, think she qualified as a shift work employee for vacation and sick leave as she worked a 24-hour on and 48-hour off schedule.
Jensen’s initial court appearance is scheduled for Jan. 22.
