On Thursday, Jan. 29, 2015, Dawn Cook, the former head of the West Georgia Technical College Foundation (foundation), pled guilty to four counts of Theft by Taking (O.C.G.A. §16-8-2) in Carroll County Superior Court.

As head of the foundation, Cook collected and handled cash during fundraisers for the foundation and purchased advertising for the foundation. Cook used her position to funnel money from both the foundation and the college to herself through several local girls’ softball teams by claiming that the foundation was buying advertising. She also kept money raised at a fundraiser for herself. She ultimately stole over $25,000.

“The West Georgia Technical College Foundation entrusted Dawn Cook with the responsibility of leading and managing the organization, and she violated that trust by pilfering its coffers,” said Attorney General Olens. “It is shameful that she used several high school softball teams as fronts for embezzling funds from the foundation.”

Judge John Simpson sentenced Cook under the First Offender Act to five years probation, $25,067 restitution and 200 hours community service.

Assistant Attorney General Laura Pfister prosecuted the case on behalf of the State of Georgia. The case was investigated by Agent Larry Duren with the Georgia Bureau of Investigation and Bill Donaldson with the state Office of Inspector General.