A campaign finance manager linked to Montana political committees supporting Democrats faces federal wire fraud charges. Abbey Lee Cook, who provided campaign compliance services during the 2024 election cycle, is accused of embezzling $253,000 from six committees. This significant legal case has brought attention to the integrity of political financing in Montana.
Cook reached a plea deal on Aug. 14, agreeing to repay the embezzled funds, while prosecutors will not pursue detention, leaving sentencing to the judge’s discretion. The wire fraud charges against Cook each carry a potential 20-year prison sentence and a $250,000 fine. The plea hearing is set for Sept. 9 in U.S. District Court in Great Falls.
Federal prosecutors allege that Cook, operating under Abbey Lee Cook and Associates, misappropriated funds from multiple parties during the 2023-2024 election cycle. Although the victims remain unnamed, six anonymous individuals or entities were identified.
Campaign finance documents reveal numerous committees that employed Cook, including Democratic state senators Cora Neumann and Laura Smith, and state Rep. Zooey Zephyr. Other groups such as the Montana Democratic Party, Montana 55+ Action Fund, and Planned Parenthood Action Montana PAC also used her services.
The embezzlement scandal has prompted reactions from some affected organizations. Carol’s List, which advocates for women’s political advancement, expressed dismay over the breach of trust. “As an all-volunteer organization, we rely on the goodness of others to achieve our mission… It’s hard enough for women to run, and win, so to have this additional headwind is a betrayal of epic proportions,” said founder Carol Williams.
Trent Bolger, executive director of Big Sky 55+, reported that Cook took $18,000 from Montana Senior Vote Action Fund without permission. Despite demanding the return of the funds, Cook did not respond, leading to contract termination and a legal demand for repayment.
Cook is also implicated in federal campaign citations for delayed report filings. Montana Outdoor Values Action Fund attributed unreported finances through 2024 to Cook, resulting in a Federal Election Commission fine of $12,372 for noncompliance.
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