Federal jury convicts union leader, daughter

By David Waite and Walter Wright
Advertiser Staff Writers

United Public Workers union leader Gary Rodrigues and his daughter, Robin Rodrigues Sabatini, right behind him, leave the federal courthouse after their conviction this afternoon. Gregory Yamamoto • The Honolulu Advertiser

Rodrigues and his daughter were found guilty on offenses that include mail fraud, money laundering and defrauding a union healthcare plan. Rodrigues alone was also convicted of embezzling union assets and accepting kickbacks in connection with a union benefit plan.

Federal prosecutors characterize the case being about "greed and power" by Rodrigues to funnel union funds into his own pocket and his daughter's companies, but defense lawyers told the jury that the government's evidence does not support a conviction.

The jury heard nearly three weeks of testimony from prosecution witnesses, while the defense called no witnesses and claimed the government failed to meet its burden of proving the charges against the two.

Sabitini broke down in tears and wept for 15 minutes when the verdict was announced. "I didn't do anything," she cried out.

Rodrigues hugged his daughter, then later left the courthouse without comment.

The union leader was permitted to remain free.

The federal jury must return to court tomorrow to decide a final forfeiture count against Rodrigues. As a result, no sentencing date was set.

The federal prosecutors also left the courthouse without comment.