Updated at 7:17 p.m., Thursday, February 22, 2007
Recycling workers charged after copper-buying sting
By Rod Ohira
Advertiser Staff Writer
Kyung Hee Chon, 44, of Aiea Recycling at 1811 Dillingham Blvd., was charged with felony attempted second-degree theft for purchasing a 653-pound spool of copper wiring allegedly with knowledge that it was stolen and for four misdemeanor violations related to following state law requirements in obtaining source information from the seller.
Chon was charged by information and her bail was set at $50,000.
Toufaasulu Pulou, 58, of Island Recycling Inc. at 1803 Dillingham Blvd., was charged with a misdemeanor count of failing to comply with state scrap-metal law requirements related to purchase. She was released after posting $2,000 bail. Her appearance at District Court is scheduled for March 15.
Representatives of both companies did not return calls for comment to The Advertiser.
It is believed to be the first time anyone directly connected to a dealer has been arrested for violations of state law, according to Major Kurt Kendro, commander of the Kalihi patrol district.
