⏱ 2 min read
A former USDA official in Honolulu, Hawaii, cashed in on COVID-19 relief funds, pleading guilty to accepting a $5,000 bribe. Jason Shitanishi, 60, was County Executive Director for the City and County of Honolulu in 2020 and 2021.
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Shitanishi approved a fake COVID-19 relief application from a woman who claimed to operate a farm in Maui, but was actually based in Honolulu. The FSA issued the woman a payment of $65,745, to which she was not entitled.
On April 12, 2021, Shitanishi agreed to accept the woman’s application, despite the fact that it should have been submitted to the Maui County Executive Director. The next day, the woman handed Shitanishi a check for $5,000.
The Coronavirus Food Assistance Program (CFAP) was initiated by the USDA in April 2020 to provide direct payments to farmers, ranchers, and consumers affected by the COVID-19 pandemic.
Shitanishi’s guilty plea was announced by U.S. Attorney Ken Sorenson, with sentencing set for July 17, 2026, before Senior U.S. District Judge Helen Gillmor.
📋 Key Facts
- Crime: Public Corruption
- Defendant: USDA
- Location: HI
- Source: DOJ Press Release
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