Posted on: Friday, October 12, 2001
Former officer pleads not guilty in cellblock food case
By Johnny Brannon
Advertiser Staff Writer
A former Honolulu police officer pleaded not guilty in Circuit Court to second degree theft yesterday, the latest move in a widening scandal that centers on the alleged diversion of money meant to buy food for prisoners held at police headquarters.
The former officer, John M. Spondike, 52, was a contract food service worker for the Honolulu Police Department when he allegedly participated in the scam, city Deputy Prosecutor Rowena Somerville said.
"He's been charged with taking over $300 worth of food or items from HPD," Somerville said.
Spondike was a Honolulu police officer from 1968 to 1994. His last assignment was as detective in HPD's internal affairs division.
After retiring from HPD, Spondike was hired as a contract worker at receiving desk from September 1995 June 1998. He is not currently under contract.
There have been five arrests in the case.
Two high-ranking police officers have been charged with second degree theft. Asst. Police Chief Rafael Fajardo Jr., 59, and Maj. Jeffrey Owens, 50, pleaded not guilty to the charges in August.
They allegedly tapped the prisoner food budget to buy fancy meals for themselves and other officers.
Spondike had scheduled a change of plea following his arraignment today — normally an opportunity to plead guilty — but waived that proceeding without explanation.
He and his attorney, Sam King, declined to comment. Spondike's trial is set for Dec. 10 before Circuit Judge Karl Sakamoto.
Two other food service workers have been arrested in the case, but one has agreed to cooperate with investigators and will not be charged, prosecutors have said.
The misuse of money allegedly occurred between 1995 and 2000, when Fajardo, and later Owens, were in charge of the central receiving division, where most people arrested on O'ahu are booked.
The two have been relieved of their police powers and command responsibilities but remain on duty.
