Former Maui County Official Sentenced to Ten Years in Federal Prison for Honest Services Wire Fraud

In a significant case of public corruption, former Maui County official Stewart Olani Stant has been sentenced to ten years in federal prison for Honest Services Wire Fraud. Chief United States District Judge Derrick K. Watson handed down the sentence, along with a $1.9M money judgment forfeiture, after Stant was found guilty of accepting multiple bribes in exchange for providing lucrative sole source contracts from Maui County’s Department of Environmental Management to businessman Milton Choy. Stant, who held the position of Director of DEM between December 2015 and December 2018, accepted bribery payments totaling up to $2,000,000 from Choy, in violation of federal law and state ethics requirements. By funneling contracts to Choy’s company and failing to disclose the bribery, Stant deprived the citizens of Maui County of their right to honest public services. This case highlights the federal government’s commitment to prosecuting public officials who abuse their positions for personal gain and serves as a warning to others.

Background

Former Maui County Official

Stewart Olani Stant, a former official of Maui County, has recently been sentenced for his involvement in honest services wire fraud. Stant held the position of Director of Maui County’s Department of Environmental Management from December 2015 to December 2018.

Sentence for Honest Services Wire Fraud

Chief United States District Judge Derrick K. Watson sentenced Stant to serve ten years in federal prison and pay a $1.9 million money judgment forfeiture. The sentence is a result of Stant’s acceptance of multiple bribes, which constituted honest services wire fraud.

Details of the Case

Acceptance of Multiple Bribes

Stant was found guilty of accepting multiple bribes between October 2012 and December 2018. These bribes were offered to him in various forms, including cash, bank deposits, and gambling trips to Las Vegas.

Cash, Bank Deposits, and Gambling Trips

Stant received bribes in the form of cash, bank deposits, and trips to Las Vegas for gambling. These bribes were given to him by businessman Milton Choy, who sought to obtain lucrative sole source contracts from Maui County’s Department of Environmental Management.

Sole Source Contracts from Maui County

In exchange for the bribes, Stant agreed to steer and award over $19 million dollars in sole source contracts and purchase orders to Choy’s company. This corrupt behavior allowed Choy to benefit from uncompetitive contracts and gain an unfair advantage in the business environment.

Involvement of Milton Choy

Businessman Milton Choy played a significant role in the bribery scheme. He offered Stant the bribes in exchange for favorable treatment and awarded contracts. Choy’s actions facilitated the corruption and undermined the integrity of the procurement process.

Stant’s Position and Actions

Director of Maui County’s Department of Environmental Management

During the period of his involvement in the bribery scheme, Stant held the position of Director of Maui County’s Department of Environmental Management. As a public official in a position of authority, he had the discretion to use government funds for public contracts.

Acceptance of Bribery Payments

Stant willingly accepted bribery payments from Milton Choy. These payments were intended to influence Stant’s decision-making and ensure the awarding of contracts to Choy’s company.

Value of the Bribes

The bribes received by Stant amounted to a total value of up to $2 million. These bribes included cash, bank deposits, casino chips, travel benefits, and other gifts.

Corrupt Failure to Disclose Bribes

In addition to accepting the bribes, Stant engaged in corrupt behavior by failing to disclose these payments. By concealing the true nature of his relationship with Choy and the financial benefits he received, Stant committed a fraudulent act.

Fraudulent Actions

Stant’s acceptance of bribes and failure to disclose them to the appropriate authorities constitutes fraudulent actions. These actions harm the citizens of Maui County and undermine the integrity of the government’s procurement process.

Impact on Maui County

Deprivation of Honest and Conflict-Free Services

By accepting bribes and steering contracts to a specific company, Stant deprived the citizens of Maui County of their right to receive honest and conflict-free services from a public official. This corruption undermines trust in the government and negatively impacts the community.

Right of Citizens to Expect Honest Use of Government Funds

As taxpayers and citizens, Maui County residents have the right to expect that government funds will be used honestly and ethically. Stant’s actions violated this trust and betrayed the public’s confidence in the integrity of their government.

Prosecution and Sentencing

U.S. Attorney Clare E. Connors’ Statement

U.S. Attorney Clare E. Connors has made a statement regarding the sentencing of Stewart Olani Stant. Connors emphasized the commitment of her office to prosecuting public officials who abuse their positions for personal gain and deprive the people of Hawaii of honest services.

Commitment to Prosecuting Public Officials

The U.S. Attorney’s Office is dedicated to holding public officials accountable for their criminal actions. This commitment serves to deter others who may be considering engaging in corrupt behavior and reinforces the importance of honest and ethical public service.

Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Role

The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) conducted the investigation that led to the prosecution of Stewart Olani Stant. The FBI plays a crucial role in fighting public corruption and ensuring the integrity of government institutions.

Message Sent by the Sentence

The sentence handed down to Stant sends a strong message that corruption will not be tolerated, and those who engage in corrupt practices will face severe consequences. It serves as a warning to other public officials tempted by personal gain to think twice before betraying their positions of trust.

Investigation and Legal Proceedings

Role of the FBI

The FBI was responsible for investigating the bribery scheme involving Stewart Olani Stant and Milton Choy. Their investigation unearthed evidence of corruption and provided the basis for the prosecution’s case.

Assistant U.S. Attorneys Handling the Case

Assistant U.S. Attorneys Ken Sorenson, Micah Smith, and Michael Albanese handled the prosecution of Stewart Olani Stant. Their expertise and dedication played a critical role in presenting the case and ensuring that justice was served.

Contact Information

For further inquiries regarding Stewart Olani Stant’s case, please contact Elliot Enoki at Elliot.Enoki@usdoj.gov.

Related Cases

Supervisor Sentenced for Bribery Scheme

In a related case, Wayne Inouye, a supervisor from the Department of Planning and Permitting, was sentenced to 60 months in prison for his involvement in a bribery scheme. This case further highlights the commitment of law enforcement to root out corruption in public offices.

Former State Representative Sentenced to Prison

Ty J.K. Cullen, a former Hawaii State Representative, was sentenced to 24 months in federal prison for his role in a corruption scandal. This case demonstrates that no individual, regardless of their position, is above the law.

Charges Against Another Maui County Official

Wilfred Tamayo, a former official in Maui County’s Environmental Management Department, has been charged with accepting bribes. This case underscores the need for continued vigilance in preventing and prosecuting corrupt practices.

Contact Information

For further inquiries or information, please contact the designated contact person, Elliot Enoki, at Elliot.Enoki@usdoj.gov.

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This comprehensive article provides a detailed overview of Stewart Olani Stant’s involvement in honest services wire fraud and its impact on Maui County. It highlights the actions taken by law enforcement, the consequences faced by Stant, and related cases of corruption. The article also includes contact information for further inquiries and provides information about the U.S. Department of Justice and its mission.