A former treasurer of an elementary school’s parent advisory council in Anmore, British Columbia, is now facing fraud and theft charges after a Coquitlam RCMP investigation. His name is Ryan Kohler, and he served as treasurer of the Anmore Elementary PAC during the 2024/25 school year.
The BC Prosecution Service approved charges against Kohler on August 10, 2026. He’s facing one count of fraud over $5,000, one count of theft over $5,000, and one count of theft under $5,000.
What He’s Accused Of
The alleged offences took place between October 2024 and May 2025, according to Coquitlam RCMP. That timeline lines up directly with the school year Kohler served as treasurer, the person responsible for handling and safeguarding the PAC’s money.
According to a statement from the Anmore PAC’s current and former chairs, along with the current treasurer, more than $20,000 was taken from PAC accounts during that period.
How the Case Came Together
The investigation started after a report to police back in 2025. Coquitlam RCMP spokesperson Cpl. John Graham described it as a detailed investigation that ultimately led to these charges being laid. He said the RCMP understands allegations like this are concerning for a community, but that they have confidence in the judicial process now underway.
Kohler was released on protective conditions following his court appearance.
What This Means for the School Community
Parent advisory councils like the one at Anmore Elementary exist to support things like school events, supplies, and extra programs that help kids and families. Losing $20,000 from that kind of account isn’t just a number, it’s money that would have gone directly toward supporting students.
In their statement, the PAC’s leadership said they’re hopeful the charges will lead to restitution, so the council can get back to fully supporting the school and its students. They also thanked Coquitlam RCMP for pursuing the investigation through to charges.
Not an Isolated Type of Case
Unfortunately, this isn’t the first time a PAC treasurer in British Columbia has faced these kinds of allegations. Similar cases have popped up at schools in Kelowna, West Kelowna, and Surrey over the years, usually involving a treasurer with sole or unchecked access to the council’s bank account. Some of those cases eventually resulted in repayment plans, others in formal charges working through the courts.
Where the Case Stands
Right now, none of the charges against Kohler have been proven in court, and he’s presumed innocent unless a judge or jury finds otherwise. The case will move through the BC court system from here, and it’s still unclear when it might go to trial.