A local woman has been charged with theft and fraud after a seven month-long investigation into missing funds from the Bella Coola Elementary’s Parent Advisory Council (PAC).
Chrystal Ann Nygaard, former PAC treasurer, has been charged with 16 charges of theft, one charge of fraud over $5,000, and two counts of fraud by falsifying documents.
Bella Coola RCMP Sgt. Justin Thiessen confirmed the charges.
“In early December of 2015, a complaint was brought forward regarding a potential fraud and theft from the local PAC group,” Thiessen said. “The matter was thoroughly investigated by the Bella Coola RCMP and recommendations for charges were put forward in June of 2016.”
Nineteen charges were approved by the Crown prosecutor against Nygaard in August of 2016, relating to alleged offences dating from Jan. 1, 2011 to Aug. 1, 2013.
Nygaard’s first scheduled court appearance is on Nov. 18, 2016.