Brantford woman on house arrest for faking pregnancies, defrauding doulas pleads guilty to 4 new charges
Repeat Offender Kaitlyn Braun Sentenced Again for Fraudulent Acts
WARNING: This article references sexual assault and suicidal ideation, and may affect those who have experienced them or know someone affected by them.
Kaitlyn Braun, a 26-year-old woman from Brantford, Ontario, found herself back in court after pleading guilty to two counts of obtaining services under false pretenses, two harassment-related charges, and breach of a conditional sentencing order. This comes just months after she was sentenced to house arrest for similar fraudulent activities involving fake pregnancies and deceiving doulas.
In her previous case, Braun had pleaded guilty to 21 charges, including fraud, indecent acts, false pretenses, and mischief. She had pretended to have experienced pregnancies and stillbirths between June 2022 and February 2023, resulting in significant emotional distress for her victims.
During her recent offenses, Braun contacted organizations and individuals under false identities, claiming to be pregnant and in need of support. She engaged in extensive communication with her victims, leading them to believe her fabricated stories before the truth was uncovered.
Assistant Crown attorney Simon McNaughton highlighted Braun’s troubling pattern of behavior, emphasizing the sexual dimension evident in her crimes. Despite not being charged with sexual assault, Braun’s actions left her victims feeling violated and distressed.
Braun’s history of mental health challenges, including experiences of child sexual assault, major depressive disorder, generalized anxiety disorder, and suicidal ideation, was presented in court. Her struggles with mental health have been ongoing, leading to frequent hospital visits since 2006.
Impact on Doula Community
Doulas, who provide support to clients before, during, and after childbirth, were among Braun’s targets. Approximately 50 doulas were affected by her fraudulent activities, with some reporting lasting trauma and distress as a result of their interactions with her.
At her sentencing hearing, victims recounted instances where Braun had coerced them into uncomfortable situations, causing emotional harm and distress. Despite offering apologies, Braun’s actions have left a lasting impact on those she deceived.
Judge’s Concerns and Sentencing
Justice Joe Fiorucci is expected to make a sentencing decision in March, considering the Crown and defense’s request for a three-year custodial sentence. Concerns about Braun’s likelihood to reoffend and the risks she poses to the community have been raised, prompting a reevaluation of her punishment.
Support Resources
For individuals affected by sexual assault or struggling with mental health challenges, various support services are available. Crisis lines, local support services, and resources like the government of Canada website and the Ending Violence Association of Canada database can offer assistance in times of need.
It is essential to seek help and support when facing difficult circumstances, and reaching out to professionals and organizations can provide the necessary assistance for healing and recovery.
