Two county employees in Hawai'i Island are facing misdemeanor theft charges after being accused of stealing gasoline from a county facility. Christin Eve Ho’omaikainani Ho, 37, and Chase K. Leopoldino, 39, both of Hilo, were arrested following a police operation that caught the suspects in the act of siphoning fuel, as reported by Hawaii Police Department.
Details provided by the local authorities indicate that on Saturday, Ho was observed using a Hawai’i County-owned vehicle to transfer gasoline into a private vehicle operated by Leopoldino and yet again the following day Ho was spotted engaging in similar activities, this time the gasoline was directed towards another privately-owned vehicle accompanied by a relative, despite the clear violation of public trust, these incidents represent both individuals were granted bail after their charges; Ho's bail was set at $2,000 while Leopoldino's was $1,000, according to the Hawaii Police Department.
The Area I Criminal Investigation Section continues to delve into the matter as they work alongside the Hawai’i County Department of Public Works which is also conducting its own internal investigation according to the Hawaii Police Department. In the meantime, both Ho and Leopoldino are due in court on December 24, appearing at the Hilo District Court.
With the investigation being far from over, Detective David Po’ohina has called upon the public to step forward anyone with information is urged to contact him directly at (808) 961-2385 or through email at [email protected] alternatively, the Hawaii Police Department non-emergency number is available at (808) 935-3311 for any tips that could advance the investigation.
