Update: Former shelter director sentenced to 4 years in prison for embezzlement

Apr 10

Tara Koch, seen in Wasco County Circuit Court before Judge Weatherford at sentence.

By Tom Peterson

The Dalles, Ore., April 10, 2025 — Wasco County Circuit Court Judge Marion Weatherford told the former director of Haven, a domestic abuse shelter and service program for eastern Oregon, that she was not being singled out in his sentence.

He pointed out that he came into the case with an open mind about Tara Koch and was leaning toward a higher sentence after reviewing the information in the case.

He then said her theft of some $178,511 “won’t be accepted in our community or in our state.”

Weatherford sentenced Koch to 4 years in prison and 2 years post-prison supervision, and ordered her to pay restitution in full.

He gave Koch two weeks to report to NORCOR Jail so Koch could make medical arrangements for her 89-year-old mother. “There’s a chance your mom will die while you’re in prison,” he said.

CCCNews will provide a full account of the 7-hour sentencing in an upcoming story.

Earlier in the day, victims testified that the cost of Koch’s thefts went well beyond money.

The prosecution told the judge that Haven was left to “rectify the damage” after federal and state notices revealed that taxes had not been paid under Koch’s and later investigation found that Koch had stolen almost $180,000 for personal gain.

Judge Weatherford will decide on Koch’s sentencing as the defense is arguing for probation while the prosecution is asking for 8 years prison time.

“Ms. Koch’s actions dismantled a vital safety net,” Wasco County Sheriff Lane Magill testified, noting it precipitated the closing of a safe house and forced victims of abuse “back into the hands of their abusers.”

Other Members of the Haven staff also detailed the loss of grants, state and federal money that were immediate following the discovery of the theft.

April Aamodt, Gilliam County Victim’s Assistant Director said the loss of confidence in Haven destroyed the relationship with Haven for her county and the people who need protection from abusers.

Haven provides services to Wasco, Sherman, Gilliam and Wheeler counties.

“You did not ask for help,” Aamodt told Koch. “People who asked for help were betrayed. You did that. You used checks and credit cards for personal gain. Your actions forced the hands of others to return to their abusers… you’re responsible for that.”

Current Haven Director Marcee Manning told the judge that the debts to IRS and the Oregon Department of Revenue totaled $400,000. Haven also lost its nonprofit status for months, making it impossible to receive federal and state grants. At the same time, Manning said Koch used Haven credit cards to pay for wine, restaurants and facial creams.

Friends of Koch also testified on behalf of Koch, stating that the Haven board lacked proper financial oversight and could have “nipped the problem (stealing) in the bud” had they been reviewing bank records.

Friend Susan Harris said she watched as Koch mentally and physically deteriorate as she worked seven days a week while she was Haven Executive Director.

“She does have value,” she said of her friend. “She has value as a friend, a mother for her children and grandchildren.”

The sentencing was set to resume at 1 p.m. today, April 10, and a sentencing could then follow from Weatherford.