By Mindy Gould on Tuesday, January 28th, 2025 in Eastern/Southeast Oregon News More Top Stories
HARNEY COUNTY(Released by the Harney County District Attorney)-Burns, OR January 23, 2025 Deborah Tooke was sentenced to 42 months Oregon Department of Corrections after being found in violation of probation and commission of new crimes.
In March of 2023 Tooke fraudulently utilized a credit card at Old West Credit Union obtaining over $1000. The crime was discovered by employees of the credit union and brought to attention of Harney County Law Enforcement. Tooke was indicted on charges of Theft in the First Degree and Fraudulent Use of a Credit Card. Pleading guilty to both charges, Tooke was ordered to complete residential addiction treatment. Failing to complete treatment resulted in probation revocation and incarceration.
January of 2024 Tooke stole a credit card from a good Samaritan proceeding to fraudulently utilize the card at various businesses in Burns and Hines. An employee noted issues, withheld the card from Tooke and contacted law enforcement. Officer Dustin Beers investigated the case and the victim was able to obtain transaction history of purchases she did not authorize. A Harney County Grand Jury indicted Tooke on Identify Theft, Fraudulent Use of a Credit Card and Theft in the Second Degree.
February of 2024 outstanding warrants existed for Tooke. Tooke was located by law enforcement at the Silver Spur Motel and informed she was under arrest. Despite commands, Tooke continued to resist law enforcement and was subsequently charged with the misdemeanor – Resisting Arrest.
Harney County District Attorney Ryan Hughes prosecuted the cases. Given Deborah Tooke’s criminal history, she was subject to a total of 42-month Oregon Department of Corrections sentence pursuant to ORS 137.717 and sentenced accordingly by Judge Robert Raschio. Upon release, Tooke will be supervised for 12 months post prison.