HONOLULU (KHON2) — A 70-year-old woman, Terri Ann Otani, has been indicted on four counts of False Name Contribution tied to the 2020 election cycle.
The charges were filed on Aug. 28 by the Department of the Attorney General’s Special Investigation and Prosecution Division.
According to the indictment, Otani is accused of giving money to a candidate or candidate committee under names other than her own.
Hawaiʻi law defines this as a Class C felony, and each charge carries a penalty of as much as five years in prison and a $10,000 fine.
How the case began
The Campaign Spending Commission first flagged the contributions and referred the case for review. Then, the Special Investigation and Prosecution Division opened an inquiry.
The division is responsible for handling corruption, fraud and economic crime across the state.
Attorney General Anne Lopez underscored the seriousness of the case.
“Campaign contribution laws are important safeguards that ensure the integrity of our electoral process,” Lopez said. “The Department of the Attorney General will vigorously investigate and prosecute individuals who violate those laws.”
What happens next
Ohtani is scheduled to be arraigned on Sept. 8 at 8:30 a.m., and Attorney General Thomas Michener will serve as prosecutor.
She remains presumed innocent unless and until the court finds her guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
Public information
The Department of the Attorney General encourages residents to report corruption, fraud and economic crime through the Special Investigation and Prosecution Division’s online portal. For emergencies or threats to life, call 911.
An indictment from a state attorney general means the AG’s office believes there’s sufficient evidence of a crime, presented it to a grand jury (or court) and got formal approval to prosecute.