Minnesota dental assistant Laurie Jones sentenced for steal of $35k from youth hockey association; receives reprimand from state board

Laurie Jones, a dental assistant in Minnesota, became the subject of a civil lawsuit filed on behalf of the North Metro Youth Hockey Association (NMYHA) after funds from the organization were misappropriated. This case illustrates that embezzlement risk is not limited to the dental practice itself: employees who hold positions of financial trust in outside organizations may pose broader risk, and conduct outside the workplace can be relevant in reference and background review.

Prosperident classifies this case among the documented instances of embezzlement-related theft affecting dental practices.

The Criminal Case: Guilty Plea and Sentencing

Records of the Minnesota Board of Dentistry establish the full arc of the criminal case. On July 20, 2007, a criminal complaint was filed against Jones in Hennepin County District Court charging her with six counts of theft by swindle, following an investigation by the Brooklyn Park Police Department. Jones served as Assistant Gambling Manager for the Brooklyn Park Youth Hockey Association, where she was responsible for overseeing the association’s pull-tab fundraising. Between 2004 and 2006, she stole more than $35,000 from the fundraising proceeds and altered records to conceal the embezzlement.

On May 9, 2008, Jones pled guilty to one felony count of theft by swindle over $35,000; the remaining five counts were dismissed. The court sentenced her to a suspended $50 fine and 51 months in the custody of the Commissioner of Corrections, stayed for five years on condition that she serve 365 days in the Hennepin County Adult Corrections Facility (workhouse), pay restitution as determined by the court, and comply with the requirements of the probation office.

Dental Board Discipline

Because Jones held a Minnesota dental assisting registration (No. A 6445), her felony conviction triggered professional discipline. In a Stipulation and Consent Order issued in November 2008, the Board of Dentistry found that her admission of guilt to an offense involving moral turpitude violated Minn. Stat. §150A.08, subd. 1(3). The Board formally reprimanded Jones and imposed a $250 civil penalty, with the order providing for additional discipline — up to suspension or revocation of her registration — for any noncompliance or further violations.

This case is a reminder for practice owners that a background of financial dishonesty outside the dental office — here, embezzlement from a youth sports organization — is directly relevant to hiring and oversight decisions, and that state boards treat such convictions as grounds for professional discipline.

Source: Minnesota Board of Dentistry — Stipulation and Consent Order, Laurie M. Jones, R.D.A. (2008)