In a recent development, Wilfred Tamayo Savella, a former Maui County Environmental Management official, has been charged with accepting bribes. The United States Attorney’s Office, District of Hawaii, has unsealed an information that alleges Savella’s involvement in a bribery scheme with a Honolulu-based businessman. The charges state that between 2013 and 2017, Savella accepted bribes in the form of cash, bank deposits, a gambling trip to Las Vegas, and other financial benefits. These bribes, totaling over $40,000, were given in exchange for Savella’s influence in awarding sole source contracts to the businessman’s company. This case highlights the FBI’s commitment to investigating and prosecuting corruption at all levels of Hawaii’s government. If convicted, Savella faces up to 10 years imprisonment and a fine of up to $250,000.
Former Maui County Environmental Management Official Charged with Accepting Bribes
Former Maui County Environmental Management official, Wilfred Tamayo Savella, has been charged with accepting bribes in a recent case that has sent shockwaves through the community. The charges stem from a bribery scheme in which Honolulu businessman Milton Choy is alleged to have bribed Savella. The bribes were given in exchange for Savella’s assistance in initiating, awarding, and acting as the primary contact person for sole source contracts issued by Maui County to the Department of Environmental Management (DEM).
Honolulu Based Businessman Milton Choy Bribed Wilfred Tamayo Savella
According to recently unsealed information, Wilfred Tamayo Savella, who served as a public official with the Maui County Department of Environmental Management, has been charged with accepting bribes from Honolulu businessman Milton Choy. The charges specifically allege that Choy bribed Savella for his role in initiating, awarding, and acting as the primary contact person for sole source contracts issued by Maui County to the DEM.
Savella Accepted Bribes for Role in Initiating, Awarding, and Acting as Primary Contact Person for Sole Source Contracts
The bribes that Wilfred Tamayo Savella accepted were varied in nature and included cash, bank deposits, gambling trips to Las Vegas, casino chips, and other financial benefits. It is estimated that the total value of the bribes exceeded $40,000. Savella, in his capacity as a County of Maui official at DEM, agreed to assist Choy’s company in securing lucrative sole source contracts and purchase orders from Maui County.
Bribes Made in Cash, Bank Deposits, Gambling Trips to Las Vegas, and Other Financial Benefits
The bribes that were given to Wilfred Tamayo Savella by Milton Choy took many forms. Cash payments were made, as well as bank deposits. Additionally, there were gambling trips to Las Vegas and the provision of casino chips. Other financial benefits were also provided to Savella as part of the bribery scheme.
Choy and Another Maui County Official, Stewart Stant, Already Pleaded Guilty
In a related development, Milton Choy has already pleaded guilty to charges of bribing another Maui County official, Stewart Stant. Stant, like Savella, was involved in initiating, awarding, and acting as the primary contact person for sole source contracts issued by Maui County. Both Choy and Stant are currently awaiting sentencing.
Corruption Degrades the Integrity of Government Institutions
The charges against Wilfred Tamayo Savella and the guilty pleas of Milton Choy and Stewart Stant highlight the damaging impact that corruption can have on government institutions. Corruption by public officials degrades the integrity of these institutions and tarnishes the work of honest public servants. It is crucial that these cases are thoroughly investigated and prosecuted to ensure the public’s trust in their government is maintained.
FBI Investigates and Prosecutes Corruption at All Levels of Hawaii Government
The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) is committed to investigating and prosecuting corruption at all levels of Hawaii government. The recent charges against Wilfred Tamayo Savella are indicative of the FBI’s dedication to rooting out corruption and holding those responsible accountable for their actions. No level of government is exempt from investigation and prosecution when allegations of corruption are made.
Potential Sentence for Savella if Convicted
If convicted on the charges of accepting bribes, Wilfred Tamayo Savella could face a sentence of up to 10 years imprisonment, as well as a fine of up to $250,000. The severity of the potential sentence underscores the seriousness of the charges and the importance of upholding the integrity of government institutions.
Presumption of Innocence Until Proven Guilty
It is important to remember that Wilfred Tamayo Savella, like any defendant, is presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law. An information is merely an allegation, and the burden of proof rests with the prosecution to demonstrate Savella’s guilt. It is crucial that the legal process unfolds fairly and impartially, allowing for a thorough examination of the evidence before any verdict is reached.
Federal Bureau of Investigation Conducted the Investigation
The investigation into the bribery scheme involving Wilfred Tamayo Savella was conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI). The FBI is well-equipped to handle complex and sensitive investigations, particularly those involving public corruption. Through their diligent work, the FBI gathered the evidence necessary to bring charges against Savella and expose the extent of the alleged bribery scheme.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Ken Sorenson and Micah Smith Prosecuting the Case
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Ken Sorenson and Micah Smith will be responsible for prosecuting the case against Wilfred Tamayo Savella. As seasoned prosecutors, they will bring their expertise to bear in presenting a strong case against Savella and seeking justice for the alleged bribery scheme. Their commitment to upholding the law and holding public officials accountable exemplifies the dedication and professionalism of the U.S. Department of Justice.