A former Iowa public defender has admitted to shoplifting hundreds of items from a Hy-Vee grocery store, leading to a six-month suspension of her law license.
Court records show that attorney Cassi Corinn Wigington, who worked as a state public defender in western Iowa, consented earlier this year to a disciplinary suspension after an investigation by the Iowa Attorney Disciplinary Board. She initially requested no more than a 30-day suspension but agreed to a nine-month recommendation before the Iowa Supreme Court ultimately imposed a six-month suspension effective June 2025.
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Wigington confessed to stealing more than 300 items worth between $1,500 and $5,000 from a Hy-Vee in Gretna, Nebraska, between Aug. 6, 2023, and Sept. 13, 2023.
In a sworn affidavit, Wigington admitted to manipulating the self-checkout system by intentionally failing to scan items, passing products near but not over the scanner, positioning barcodes away from detection, and placing items directly into her cart without paying for them.
She explained financial stress contributed to her actions, citing a 2023 salary of $76,544 and the responsibility of caring for four children and her mother.
“When I accepted the position of public defender for the State of Iowa, I did so with a sincere dedication to serving the people of this state,” Wigington wrote. “I understood that it came with financial sacrifice, but I did not fully grasp the severe impact on my ability to care for my family.”
Despite working over 70 hours per week, Wigington said she struggled to cover basic expenses. However, the disciplinary board noted that among the stolen items were boxed wine, liquor bottles, and an ice maker, undermining her claim that the thefts were solely to meet family needs.
The case began after Wigington was charged with felony theft in November 2023. She later entered a diversion agreement with the Sarpy County Attorney’s Office, agreeing to pay $2,721 in restitution. After completing the program, the criminal charge was dismissed.
The disciplinary board considered her eventual acceptance of responsibility a mitigating factor, though it noted she initially denied wrongdoing and claimed she was “falsely accused” until confronted with surveillance footage.
In May 2025, the Iowa Supreme Court ordered a six-month suspension of her law license, which took effect in early June.
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