Man spared jail in HPD auto parts scam

By Curtis Lum
Advertiser Staff Writer

A former Honolulu Police Department civilian employee avoided prison time yesterday for his role in an auto parts scam.

Circuit Judge Karl Sakamoto granted Winston Owan's request for a deferred acceptance of his no-contest plea, which means Owan's record will be cleared if he stays out of trouble for five years. Owan, 48, pleaded no contest last November to theft charges.

Owan will pay $10,000 in restitution and perform 100 hours of community service.

Owan was charged with taking part in a scheme that bilked the city out of thousands of dollars.

Owan and his supervisor, Victor Hasebe, were accused of purchasing auto parts with city money at inflated prices and keeping the money.

Hasebe pleaded no-contest last month to theft and money laundering. His sentencing hearing is scheduled for next month.