Koch pleads guilty in theft of abuse shelter funds; sentencing expected in January
By Tom Peterson
The Dalles, Ore., Oct. 11, 2024 — The former director of Haven, a shelter for domestic and sexual violence, pleaded guilty to 8 charges related to the theft of over $96,000 on Oct. 10.
Tara Koch who was originally arrested on the allegations more than two years ago pleaded guilty to three counts of first-degree theft and five counts of first-degree aggravated theft before Wasco County Circuit Court Judge Marion Weatherford.
The charges carry a total prison time of 10 years and the Oregon Attorney General’s Office will argue for consecutive time. It is expected Koch’s defense attorney Jody Vaughn will argue for a downward departure to 5 years probation in total.
Attorneys Toby Tingleaf and Dan Wendle with the Attorney General’s Office are prosecuting the case against Koch.
It is expected the Judge Weatherford will impose a condition for Koch to pay restitution for the money taken at sentencing which is expected to occur in January.
People who have been harmed by Koch’s theft will be able to speak before the Judge determines Koch’s sentence. It is expected that Haven representatives, including past board members of the nonprofit, will provide impact statements. Haven’s Community partners, financial donors, and survivors will also be allowed to tell the judge how Koch’s actions have affected them and Haven in general.
The plea comes after Weatherford denied Koch’s request for dismissal of multiple charges last week.
Had she not pled on Thursday, her trial was set to begin on Tuesday, Oct. 15.
Tara Koch was originally arrested on July 7th, 2022 in Washington County on 26 counts including theft, identity theft, and forgery.
