MEDIA RELEASE

Prosecuting Attorney Jay T. Kimura has announced Third Circuit Judge Greg Nakamura denied the request by Keauu resident Thalia Kauka, 50, to defer her guilty plea to theft in the second degree and sentenced her for that offense Jan. 5.

Kauka was sentenced to five years of probation with the special conditions that she spend 30 days in jail and pay restitution in the amount of $19,025 to the state Department of Human Services.

Investigation by the DHS criminal investigator revealed that between 2006 and 2009, Kauka fraudulently concealed from DHS employees that her minor child was receiving other sources of financial support.

Theft in the second degree is punishable by up to five years in prison and by a fine of up to $10,000.

Anyone having information concerning welfare fraud in Hawaii County is urged to call the county Welfare Fraud Hotline at (808) 933-8899.