Pair facing multiple fraud, forgery charges after Fraser Valley non-profit loses over $11,000

ABBOTSFORD – Police in Abbotsford say a 42-year-old man and a 41-year-old woman are facing multiple fraud and forgery charges after an investigation into the loss of money from a local non-profit.

According to a statement from the Abbotsford Police Department, police say more than $11,000 was fraudulently obtained from Cedar Outreach Society over several months through the falsification and deposit of forged cheques.

Police say the investigation began back on June 18, 2025, after a representative from Cedar Outreach Society identified concerns while reviewing financial records. The review found that several cheques between February and September of 2025 appear to have been altered and deposited into a bank account not associated with the organization, prompting a report to the Abbotsford Police Department.

Police say Matthew Wittick, 42, and Kristina Warkentin, 41, have been charged with a combined total of 16 fraud and forgery-related offences.

“Fraud is not a victimless crime. When funds are stolen from community organizations, the impact extends far beyond a balance sheet,” said AbbyPD spokesperson Sgt. Paul Walker. “Every dollar lost can reduce the ability of organizations like the Cedar Outreach Society to provide essential housing supports and homelessness prevention services to some of Abbotsford’s most vulnerable residents. These offences undermine public trust and divert resources away from those who need them most.”

Police say they remain committed to protecting organizations from financial crime and ensuring those responsible for fraud and forgery are identified, investigated, and held accountable.

The Abbotsford Police file is 2025-25659.