Sentencing dives deep into the behavior of former Haven From Domestic and Sexual Violence Director Tara Koch as Circuit Court Judge grapples with an appropriate sentence and abuse shelter continues to pick up the pieces after years of embezzlement.

The Judge told Koch the theft of $178,511 “won’t be accepted in our community or in our state.”

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 decision moves along the case against the former Haven Director who faces trial for allegedly stealing over $96,000 from the shelter for domestic and sexual violence.

She is set to go to trial on Oct. 15. 

The Former Director of Haven accused of stealing more than $96,000 from the shelter for domestic and sexual violence is asking 10 of her 26 charges be dismissed because she did not try to hide the theft on credit cards and checks.