A Democratic campaign treasurer charged with federal wire fraud in connection with her political advising business was also allegedly defrauding local Helena organizations, the Independent Record has learned.

Abbey Lee Cook allegedly stole thousands of dollars from local bands, businesses, individuals and the East Helena Public Schools district by collecting deposits for an event space she owned but had already been evicted from, according to her former landlord, several business owners and school officials.

Cook was charged by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for Montana on Aug. 20 with three counts of wire fraud for allegedly embezzling more than $253,000 from political candidates and organizations. Cook was a campaign treasurer and campaign finance compliance adviser for Democrats and left-

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