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The Honolulu Advertiser
Posted on: Tuesday, November 27, 2007

Big Isle woman indicted in identity-theft case

Advertiser Staff

HILO, Hawai'i — A Big Island grand jury has indicted a daughter of County Councilwoman Emily Naeole for alleged identity theft and other charges in connection with the theft of a credit card earlier his year.

Malama Valentino, also known as Malama Naeole, was indicted for theft of a credit card, fraudulent use of a credit card, second-degree identity theft and second-degree theft in connection with an incident on Feb. 20.

The indictment filed Friday alleges Valentino obtained a credit card belonging to Shane Paulos that Valentino knew had been mislaid, and obtained personal information with the intent to commit theft.

The indictment also alleges Valentino attempted to use the card to obtain more than $300 in goods or services, and alleges Valentino obtained cash or goods worth more than $300 belonging to Paulos or to Safeway.

Emily Naeole said she was aware there had been an allegation, but was not aware of the indictment. She said the charges are false.

"It's not true. I know my daughter, and my daughter is not like that," Emily Naeole said. "I know that something is wrong here; this is not the truth."

She said Malama Valentino has been working with Valentino's husband for the past six years to fight drug abuse among youth.