Former Kauaʻi Police Lieutenant Charged with Federal Theft

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A former lieutenant with the Kauaʻi Police department was charged with federal theft and money laundering.

Justice department officials say 53-year-ol Karen M. Kapua, was charged yesterday with stealing $75,000 belonging to the County of Kauaʻi, and with money laundering arising out of her alleged use of a portion of the money to pay off her personal debts.

The indictment alleges the offenses occurred on three separate occasions between December of 2013 and December of 2014.

Kapua was arrested without incident yesterday and pled not guilty to the charges.

If convicted, she could face up to 10 years on each of the offenses. Trial has been set for March, and Kapua has since been released on bail and was allowed to return to Kauaʻi.

Justice officials remind the public that an indictment is merely an accusation, and Kapua is presumed innocent unless and until proved guilty.