Karen M. Kapua, Theft, Hawaii 2016

Ex-Kauai Police Lieutenant Faces Up to 10 Years in Prison for Stealing $25,000 from County of Kauai

HONOLULU, Hawaii – A shocking case of corruption within the Kauai Police Department has come to light as former Lieutenant Karen M. Kapua, 53, pled guilty to one count of stealing $25,000 belonging to the County of Kauai. The theft constitutes a violation of federal law due to the County of Kauai receiving federal grants of more than $10,000 annually, including grants from the United States Drug Enforcement Administration.

According to the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Hawaii, Kapua admitted to cashing a $25,000 check on December 5, 2014, made payable to her by the County of Kauai, and converting the money to her own use. As a lieutenant in the Kauai Police Department’s vice section, Kapua was authorized to request County of Kauai checks to obtain money to make undercover purchases of narcotics.

Kapua was originally charged in a January 2016 indictment with stealing a total of $75,000 from the County of Kauai on three separate dates between December 23, 2013 and December 5, 2014, and with laundering the proceeds of one of the theft offenses by making an $11,457.98 wire transfer to pay off her debts. Under the terms of her plea agreement, Kapua pled guilty to only one offense but acknowledged her responsibility for the theft of a total of $75,000.

Kapua faces a term of imprisonment of up to 10 years, a fine of $250,000, and restitution when she is sentenced on October 31, 2016, by Chief United States District Judge J. Michael Seabright.

The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, with the assistance of the Kauai Police Department, and is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Larry Tong.

As the investigation unfolded, it became clear that Kapua’s actions compromised the integrity of the Kauai Police Department and undermined public trust in law enforcement. This case serves as a stark reminder of the importance of accountability within our institutions and the need for vigilance in rooting out corruption.

The people of Hawaii have a right to expect that their public servants will uphold the highest standards of integrity and honesty. The prosecution of Karen M. Kapua for her crimes is a crucial step towards restoring that trust and ensuring that justice is served.

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