Sentencing delayed for doula defrauder from Brantford, Ont.

An Ontario woman who duped doulas will have to wait a little longer to find out her fate. CTV’s Jeff Pickel explains why.

The sentencing of Kaitlyn Braun, the Brantford, Ont. woman who pleaded guilty to new charges of defrauding doulas, has been pushed back.

The 26-year-old was expecting to find out her fate on Friday.

However, the judge decided he needed more time to consider the case as it lacked precedent.

Braun’s background

Braun pleaded guilty in December 2023 to 21 criminal charges. She admitted she contacted numerous doulas, who provide support during and after childbirth, and faked being pregnant. Court heard that she often claimed the pregnancy was a result of sexual assault and, in certain cases, would pretend she was going through a stillbirth.

In February 2024, Braun was sentenced to two years less a day of house arrest on the charges.

The judge in that case expressed his concerns about the sentence, specifically citing a mental health assessment warning that Braun was likely to reoffend. The sentence was a joint submission from both the Crown and defense. The judge said he didn’t like how it was structured but he felt he had to accept it.

Then, in April 2024, Braun contacted a charitable organization that supports parents in crisis. She used the name Kate Baker and claimed to be 19 weeks pregnant with a baby that would not make it to term. She was then contacted by a volunteer with the organization who spent about 18 hours on the phone with Braun.

Ten days later, Braun began texting a Hamilton-based doula. This time she called herself Jessica Baker and claimed she was 21 weeks pregnant. The two exchanged about 600 messages over a three-day period. Braun even electronically signed a $250 contract with the doula, which she never paid.

Braun was arrested on April 30, 2024. She later pleaded guilty to four charges related to those incidents.

Sentencing process

As with Braun’s first case, the defense and Crown submitted a joint sentencing recommendation to the judge. They asked for five years behind bars for breaching her house arrest and committing similar crimes.

On Friday, the judge raised concerns about a possible prison sentence. He felt it may be too harsh and lacked an opportunity for Braun’s rehabilitation.

Braun’s lawyer argued that it was the sentence she wanted.

“The client gave very clear instructions, she can get DBT [Dialectical Behavior Therapy] in the penitentiary,” he told the court. “She wants to just deal with things, wants to start doing her real time and wants to get assistance.”

The Crown prosecutor pointed out that Braun had her chance.

“Rehabilitation failed. Ms. Braun failed miserably.”

The judge ultimately decided he needed more time to consider their arguments.

Braun will remain in custody until June 9, when the judge will decide if he will accept the joint submission for a five-year sentence.