Dawson Creek RCMP have opened an investigation looking into money allegedly stolen from the Dawson Creek Native Housing Society.
The society provides housing for just over 60 indigenous tenants and seniors.
An independent audit conducted in 2023 of the housing society shows nearly $140,090 went missing that year alone. A total amount that is being investigated is around $340,000.
Sources tell CJDC TV News that former Executive Director, Tammy Cooke has admitted to theft and resigned her position in February.
It’s being alleged that Cooke arranged for some tenants to pay her directly for rent. However, when records showed those same tenants owed money to the society, the renters were all given eviction notices. The society has since rescinded those notices.
The Vice President of the Board of Directors said that the society is doing everything it can to help police with their investigation. Neil Sneddon said, “We have a hired a new interim Executive Director, a new board is in place and we are looking to deal with this directly.”
Sources also say that the state of some of the houses that are used by the Native Housing Society are in deplorable condition.
Sneddon said one of the society’s first order of business is to the repair the most damaged units as soon as possible.
None of the accusations in this story have been proven in a court of law.