Pamela J. Kahut, Theft in Connection with Health Care, Oregon 2025

PORTLAND, Ore.—In a shocking turn of events, a former Chief Financial Officer has been sentenced to federal prison for stealing money from a health care trust account. Pamela J. Kahut, 68, of Wilsonville, Oregon, was handed an eight-month prison term and three years of supervised release for her role in the theft.

Kahut was also ordered to pay a hefty sum of $211,083.27 in restitution to the Pacific States Marine Fisheries Commission (PSMFC) and a $10,000 fine. According to court documents, Kahut, as Chief Financial Officer of PSMFC, had access to and controlled the health benefit trust account, which was created to pay benefits, fees, and other charges for PSMFC employees covered under its self-funded health care benefit program.

The health benefit trust account was funded, in part, through federal grant money issued to the PSMFC. Between about October 2014 and September 2020, Kahut stole $211,083.27 from the health benefit trust account. The funds were used to pay for her spouse's long-term care annual premiums, pay off her pension loans, and to pay her credit card bills.

Kahut's actions came to light when she was charged by information with Theft in Connection with Health Care on April 8, 2025. Just over a month later, on June 5, 2025, Kahut pleaded guilty to the charges.

The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, U.S. Department of Commerce Office of Inspector General, and U.S. Department of Energy Office of Inspector General. It was prosecuted by Robert Trisotto, Assistant U.S. Attorney for the District of Oregon.

The sentencing of Kahut serves as a stark reminder of the importance of accountability in public office. The people of Oregon have a right to expect honesty and integrity from those in positions of trust.

The PSMFC is an interstate agency that conserves, develops, and manages Pacific Ocean fishery resources. Its employees rely on the health benefit trust account for essential benefits. Kahut's actions have caused irreparable harm to the trust account and the employees who rely on it.

Source: https://www.justice.gov/usao-or/pr/former-chief-financial-officer-sentenced-federal-prison-theft-connection-health-care