State seeks 8 years prison time for Koch for theft from Domestic Abuse Shelter
Sentencing comes after 2 years and 9 months of prosecution
By Tom Peterson
Tara Koch, 63, is expected in Wasco County Circuit Court on Thursday, April 10 for sentencing on multiple theft charges from Haven.
The Dalles, Ore., April 9, 2025 — The former director of Haven, a shelter for domestic and sexual violence, is set to be sentenced on Thursday, April 10 at 9 a.m.
She is looking at up to 8 years in prison.
Tara Kock pleaded guilty to 8 charges related to the theft of over $96,000 on Oct. 10, 2024.
Sr. Assistant Attorney General Tobias Tingleaf who is prosecuting the case against Koch said “ it can be proven that Defendant embezzled at least $179,648.62.”
Circuit Court Judge Marion Weatherford is expected to deliver a sentence after reviewing memorandums from the prosecution, the defense and hearing from victims during the hearing on Thursday.
In a memorandum Koch’s defense attorney Jody Vaughn, argues for a downward departure and is requesting a “non-prison sentence for the reason that a prison sentence would serve no rehabilitative purpose.”
Vaughn also stated that incarceration would prevent Koch from working and paying restitution to Haven.
Prosecutor Tingleaf disagreed in his memorandum to the judge, stating Koch had violated the public trust, created multiple victims and had a lack of remorse.
“The State urges the Court to impose the presumptive sentences for each count running four of the presumptive 24 months prison terms consecutive for a total of 96 months in prison.”
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.
It is expected the Judge Weatherford will impose a condition for Koch to pay restitution for the money taken at sentencing.
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.
Haven is a non-profit organization that offers support and advocacy for survivors of sexual assault, domestic violence, and stalking in Wasco, Sherman, Gilliam and Wheeler Counties.
