Former Executive Director of Ronald McDonald House Charities Pleads Not Guilty

Wednesday, January 7th, 2026 -- 12:01 PM

(Justin Betti, WAOW) The former executive director of the Ronald McDonald House Charities of Marshfield, Iilee Pederson, has pleaded not guilty to charges of theft, fraud and money laundering.

According to Justin Betti with WAOW, Pederson, 39, is accused of stealing about $120,000 from the charity. Prosecutors allege the thefts occurred between June 2022 and 2024.

Prosecutors say Pederson presented the board with redacted bank statements to conceal her actions. A court found probable cause on Tuesday to bind the matter over for trial. She faces 11 charges in all, including 9 felonies. Pederson is scheduled for a status conference on March 11.

The 39-year-old is free on a $50,000 signature bond with several conditions, including a full no-contact order with the charity and restrictions on working with charitable groups.

Representatives of the Ronald McDonald House Charities of Marshfield have recovered about $100,000 from their insurance company, according to WSAU.

Feel free to contact us with questions and/or comments.