Excelsior Springs Resident and Former Polo Clerk Charged with Felony Theft

Kingston, MO – A former city clerk for the City of Polo, Missouri, has been charged with felony stealing after allegedly using a city credit card for unauthorized personal purchases totaling over $750.

According to court documents, Dystenie J. Ellison, 27, of Excelsior Springs, who was employed by the City of Polo from late August 2023 to early December, 2023, faces a Class D felony charge under Missouri law. The probable cause statement filed by Sergeant J. J. Rongey of the Missouri State Highway Patrol details the allegations, claiming that Ellison used the city’s Sam’s Club credit card to make multiple personal purchases.

Items reportedly charged to the city credit card include products from Amazon, state hunting permits, a Missouri hunter safety course, automobile insurance, vehicle registration renewal fees, and a website domain subscription and business plan through Wix.com. Investigators obtained documentation from vendors confirming the purchases were made by Ellison, who lacked authorization from city officials to use the card for personal expenses.

The investigation began after irregularities were discovered in the city’s financial records. Ellison’s alleged misconduct spanned her entire tenure as city clerk, raising concerns about financial oversight in the small rural community.

Caldwell County Prosecuting Attorney Brady C. Kopek formally filed the charge on December 19, 2024. If convicted, Ellison could face penalties under Missouri’s felony theft statutes, which include potential prison time and fines.

Ellison is presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law. A preliminary hearing date has not yet been set and a warrant has not been issued.