A former state worker with the Department of Land and Natural Resources Boating Division was sentenced to ten years for stealing from the state.
Wesley Choi stood before Circuirt Court Judge Richard Perkins with no explanation as to why he stole nearly $125,000 from the state.
"If he had paid the full restitution amount of $124,966.43 by today he would have received probation with only 18 months in jail, but because he didn’t do it he has to the full prison term,” said Deputy Attorney General Vince Kanemoto. "Ten years in counts one and two."
Choi once helped to oversee many of the harbors under state care.
He pleaded guilty to four charges — theft, unauthorized use of a computer in the commission of a crime, and two counts of forgery.
"He set up this scheme where he made up false bids on non-existing procurement jobs, and he awarded the jobs to himself. And he just pocketed the money,” said Kanemoto.
As for how his scheme was uncovered.
"I think there was a person who, a boater at one of the boat harbors, I believe she found some documents and she turned them into the authorities, and this investigation commenced and they found out what he did,” said Kanemoto.
Kanemoto says the thefts went on for about two years.
The Hawaii Paroling Authority will set Choi’s minimum sentence.
He is also ordered to pay the nearly $125,000 back as restitution.
See the original article at: KHON2 Local News
