The BC Prosecution Service has approved criminal charges against an Anmore man following a Coquitlam RCMP investigation into alleged financial wrongdoing connected to a school parent advisory council.
Charges and timeline
On Aug. 10 the prosecution service approved three counts against Ryan Kohler: one count of fraud over $5,000, one count of theft under $5,000 and one count of theft over $5,000, according to Coquitlam RCMP. The alleged offences are said to have occurred between October 2024 and May 2025.
| Charge | Threshold | Approval date |
|---|---|---|
| Fraud | Over $5,000 | Aug. 10, 2026 |
| Theft | Under $5,000 | Aug. 10, 2026 |
| Theft | Over $5,000 | Aug. 10, 2026 |
Police statement and court process
Coquitlam RCMP said the matter stems from an investigation that began in 2025 and confirmed the accused was formerly involved with a parent advisory council at a school in Anmore. In a public statement, Const. John Graham — identified as a corporal in the release — said the investigation was detailed and reiterated confidence in the judicial system.
"The culmination of the detailed Coquitlam RCMP investigation into alleged criminal actions resulted in these charges being laid," Cpl. John Graham said. "We understand allegations of this nature are concerning, but we have confidence in the judicial process that is now underway."
Police also noted that the accused, named in RCMP material as Ryan Kohler, has been released on conditions while the matter proceeds through the courts. No additional information about the conditions of release or the next court dates was provided in the RCMP announcement.
Community and school context
Allegations involving parent advisory councils can be especially disruptive in small, closely knit school communities where volunteers and parents collaborate on fundraising and school programs. While the RCMP release did not identify the specific school, it said Kohler had been involved with a parent advisory council in Anmore — a village neighbouring Coquitlam in Metro Vancouver.
Parent advisory councils are typically responsible for raising and administering funds for school activities and supplies, which means alleged misuse can affect students, staff and school programming beyond the immediate financial loss. The RCMP did not quantify any amount linked to the alleged offences beyond the thresholds in the approved charges.
- Investigation began in 2025 and culminated in approved charges in August 2026.
- Charges include one count of fraud over $5,000 and two theft counts (one under $5,000; one over $5,000).
- The accused has been released on conditions and the case will proceed through the courts.
What residents should know
For residents in Coquitlam and neighbouring communities, the RCMP message underscores that investigations into alleged financial crimes connected to schools are taken seriously. Those with concerns about governance or financial oversight at local schools can raise issues with school districts, the Ministry of Education where appropriate, or local police if a criminal matter is suspected.
The RCMP release asked the public to remain patient as the matter proceeds through the judicial process. As with any case at the approval stage, charges reflect allegations that must be proven in court.
WE NEWS will continue to monitor court filings and local policing statements and will report further details as they become publicly available.
