Pictou County volunteer pleads guilty to stealing thousands from premier's riding association

A Pictou County woman has pleaded guilty to stealing thousands of dollars from Nova Scotia Premier Tim Houston's Pictou East riding association.

Tara Cohoon, who was previously a volunteer treasurer for the association, appeared Monday in provincial court in Pictou County.

Forgoing her right to a trial, Cohoon pleaded guilty to defrauding the riding association of more than $5,000 and to committing forgery.

Two additional counts she faced will be withdrawn, said Judge Bryna Hatt.

According to the statement of facts read into court, Cohoon stole approximately $60,000 from the Pictou East riding association, a theft that had been ongoing "for some time."

Prior to her arrest in October, Cohoon came clean about the theft to her employer, who then contacted the premier's office, after which the crime was reported to New Glasgow police.

In October, Houston told reporters he couldn't "even begin to explain the incredible level of betrayal that I feel and that my riding executive feels about this matter."

He said he was angry, sad, disappointed and "really devastated for the volunteers" of the Pictou East Progressive Conservative riding association.

Sentencing will take place on March 5.

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