The second in command at the Honolulu Prosecutor’s Office has taken a leave of absence after revealing that he is involved in a federal investigation.
Chasid Sapolu is the first deputy prosecuting attorney, under prosecuting attorney Keith Kaneshiro.
In a statement, Sapolu said he received a subject letter from the federal government and he intends to cooperate with their investigation, though details of the investigation were not revealed.
Sapolu also said the system will reveal that he has done nothing wrong.
“Effective immediately, I have decided, based on my own personal beliefs, to take a leave of absence from my position as the First Deputy Prosecuting Attorney for the City and County of Honolulu. I wholeheartedly believe that the system I am dedicated to serving will reveal that I have done nothing wrong. I believe in the very important mission of the prosecutor’s office. Nothing should ever stand in the way of protecting our community and compassionately serving victims through fair and honest prosecution.
I received a subject letter and, even though I am not a target of a federal investigation, as a dedicated public servant my intent is to cooperate with any law enforcement investigation. I do not make this decision lightly as it has a significant impact on my family. I continue to believe in the hard work of the employees of our office who passionately protect public safety and look forward to returning when these matters are resolved.”
Sapolu’s leave of absence comes three months after Katherine Kealoha resigned as a deputy prosecutor.
Kealoha and her husband, former Honolulu police chief Louis Kealoha, were indicted on federal charges of corruption, bank fraud and identity theft.
