The founder of a purported anti-human trafficking non-profit organization in Utah, Candace Lierd, has pleaded no contest to multiple felony charges including fraud, theft by deception, and forgery. According to FOX 13, Lierd was originally facing a slate of 35 charges, 32 of which were felonies, after being accused of misusing donor funds for personal expenses such as homes, cars, and travel.
In a court proceeding from Utah County Jail, Lierd waived her rights to a preliminary hearing and a jury trial. She entered a no-contest plea as part of a plea agreement, acknowledging the probability of being found guilty had the case gone to trial. As reported by KSL, the conviction encompasses charges related to fraudulent misrepresentation of her qualifications including claiming to be a nurse, forgery of company checks, and fabricating credentials to secure financial and business agreements.
While Lierd's plea does not imply an admission of guilt, it accepts the consequences meted out by the court system. The plea resulted in the dismissal of several additional charges against her, including further counts of communications fraud, theft, and identity fraud, as noted by KUTV. These charges were dismissed with prejudice, which means they cannot be brought against her again.
Following her plea, Lierd has been ordered to wear a GPS monitor and to avoid any contact with the victims related to her case. She must also report for a presentence investigation to the Provo Office of Adult Probation and Parole. Her sentencing is scheduled for October 17, where the amount of prison time and any restitution Lierd may be required to make, will be determined.
