Former Simon Fraser University manager given conditional sentence after stealing over $180K

25-Oct-2026

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A former manager at Simon Fraser University (SFU) has been given a conditional sentence of two years less a day, to be served in the community, after pleading guilty to theft.

Kristen Tanya Schiefke received the sentence for stealing just over $180,000 from the university, according to an agreed statement of facts read out in court.

Crown and defense lawyers jointly requested the conditional sentence served in the community.

During sentencing, Vancouver Provincial Court Judge Reginald Harris noted the aggravating factors were the breach of trust with Schiefke's employer and coworkers, the amount of money stolen and the time period over which the theft occurred. He also noted the victim impact statements in which Schiefke's colleagues reflected on how the incident had shaken them.

The mitigating factors were Schiefke's guilty plea, her commitment to immediately pay back just over $50,000 to SFU out of proceeds from the sale of her residence, and her remorse, which Harris said he found to be genuine.

Under the terms of the sentence, Schiefke must be under house arrest for 12 months and then under a curfew, complete 200 hours of community service, abstain from alcohol and make monthly restitution payments to SFU until the full balance is repaid.

The second charge, of fraud over $5,000, was stayed.