A Helena-based political campaign treasurer and business owner pleaded guilty Tuesday to three federal counts of wire fraud, admitting in court she stole more than $250,000 from several political candidates and organizations she was working for.

Abbey Lee Cook entered into a plea agreement with the U.S. Attorney’s Office for Montana last month. The charges mean she could face prison time, fines and will have to pay back at least $253,000 in restitution to the five victims she defrauded, who are unnamed in court documents.

Judge Brian Morris accepted the plea deal Tuesday morning in a hearing in Great Falls after asking her what had happened that led her to steal thousands from the Democratic candidates and left-leaning political organizations.

After consulting with her attorney for seve

See Full Page