A Fort Dodge man was recently sentenced to probation for a December 2022 incident in Jefferson.

According to court documents, 55-year-old John Cook pled guilty to an amended charge of a Class D Felony for second degree fraudulent practices, non-habitual offender. He had a five year prison sentence suspended and was placed on probation for two years with the Iowa Department of Corrections. 

The charge stemmed from an incident at Wild Rose Casino and Resort in Jefferson on December 20, 2022. Court documents show that Cook was asked by Shelly Esquer, also of Fort Dodge, to sit in her seat of a winning slot machine jackpot. Cook filled out an IRS-W9 form to claim the winnings. Following a review of video surveillance, Esquer was the one who won the jackpot.

Court documents show that Cook was also ordered to pay over $700 in probation and court appointed attorney fees and court costs.