Former Anmore parent advisory council treasurer charged with fraud, theft

A former Anmore parent advisory council treasurer has been charged with fraud and theft. Photo by Postmedia

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A former Anmore parent advisory council treasurer has been charged with fraud and theft.

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On Friday, Coquitlam RCMP announced Ryan Kohler had been charged last month with fraud over $5,000, theft over $5,000, and theft under $5,000. According to meeting minutes posted online, Kohler served as treasurer for the Anmore Elementary School parent advisory council (PAC) during the 2024-2025 school year.

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Police launched an investigation last fall after learning of financial discrepancies between October 2024 and May 2025.

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By the start of the 2025-2026 school year, another parent had been elected as treasurer, though Kohler continued to share financial reports in September and October of 2025 during the handover.

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October 2025 PAC meeting minutes note Kohler did not have updated figures for the PAC’s operating account at that time, and that there had been some challenges connecting with Vancity to arrange for two other parent volunteers to be added as signing authorities.

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Kohler did not attend the following PAC meeting on Nov. 25, 2025. Instead, meeting minutes indicate chairperson Jamie Tromp shared an update on behalf of herself and treasurer Lauren Birch, confirming that “a significant financial discrepancy was discovered” after “full access to PAC bank accounts was obtained.”

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Meeting minutes note the discovery was shared with then-principal Bryan Jackson and the Coquitlam school district, as well as the RCMP.

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“An RCMP investigation has been opened and is now active,” the minutes read. “Due to police instructions, no details can be shared publicly at this time.”

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Vancity also opened its own investigation, and the school notified families about the police investigation.

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In early 2026, proposed changes to the PAC bylaws were voted on and accepted, including the addition of a second signing authority and a requirement to print and distribute bank statements monthly to PAC members and executives.

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At the April 2026 PAC meeting, parents and executives heard that an arrest had been made, though the suspect was later released.

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“The culmination of the detailed Coquitlam RCMP investigation into alleged criminal actions resulted in these charges being laid,” said Cpl. John Graham.

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“We understand allegations of this nature are concerning, but we have confidence in the judicial process that is now underway.”

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Kohler was released on conditions and is due in Port Coquitlam court on Sept. 23.

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Postmedia has reached out to the Anmore PAC for comment.

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