Deputy Sheriff Investigated After Mailbox Case Testimony
Thomas Cayetano told the court he transported Gerard Puana to visit Katherine Kealoha in a courthouse as a favor to her.
(AP) — A Hawaii deputy sheriff’s testimony in a corruption trial is leading to an investigation into his actions while on duty.
Deputy Sheriff Thomas Cayetano testified that he arranged for private meetings between a prosecutor and her jailed uncle. The former prosecutor, Katherine Kealoha, and her retired police chief husband are on trial for allegedly framing the uncle to keep him from revealing fraud that financed the couple’s lavish lifestyle.
Cayetano says he transported Gerard Puana to Kealoha in a courthouse as a favor to her even though Puana didn’t have any hearings.
State Department of Public Safety spokeswoman Toni Schwartz said Friday that Cayetano’s testimony gives rise to questions regarding his work-related conduct that officials are obligated to investigate.
Cayetano declined to comment on the investigation.
