HONOLULU (AP) — Honolulu Police Chief Louis Kealoha, who went on paid leave after he was notified that he’s the target of a federal investigation, has agreed to retire, the police commission’s chairman announced Friday. ADVERTISING HONOLULU (AP) — Honolulu
HONOLULU (AP) — Honolulu Police Chief Louis Kealoha, who went on paid leave after he was notified that he’s the target of a federal investigation, has agreed to retire, the police commission’s chairman announced Friday.
The announcement came after the police commission members met behind closed doors discussing their decision on Kealoha’s employment status. Details about Kealoha’s retirement after more than 30 years of service are being worked out, Commission Chairman Max Sword said.
“He’s leaving under a cloud and he’s not happy about that,” said Kealoha’s attorney, Myles Breiner, noting that Kealoha will receive his full retirement benefits.
Kealoha agreed to “gracefully retire” to save the department embarrassment and to avoid a battle with the commission, Breiner said: “He’s done nothing wrong. That target letter prompted everyone to turn against him.”
Kealoha, who earns $190,408 annually, went on paid leave last month after receiving an FBI target letter. A federal grand jury is looking into allegations of civil rights abuses and corruption at the department.
The investigation began after allegations surfaced stemming from a theft case involving Kealoha’s home mailbox. Gerard Puana, the uncle of Kealoha’s city prosecutor wife, Katherine Kealoha, went on trial for the alleged theft. But the case ended in a mistrial after Louis Kealoha made inappropriate comments about Puana’s criminal past. The charge was later dismissed.
Federal public defender Alexander Silvert, who represented Puana, said the Kealohas framed his client in an attempt to discredit him in a lawsuit Puana filed accusing Katherine Kealoha, a Honolulu prosecutor, of mishandling his mother’s assets. A jury later sided with Katherine Kealoha.
Last month, retired Officer Niall Silva pleaded guilty to falsifying documents and altering evidence. He had testified at Puana’s 2014 trial.
Four other officers have received target letters from the FBI, Acting Chief Cary Okimoto has said.
