Wife of credit agency chief
admits to money laundering

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By Rosemarie Bernardo
rbernardo@starbulletin.com

Yvonne Haxton of Hawaii Credit Counseling Service pleaded guilty in federal court yesterday to money laundering.

Haxton worked with her husband, Michael, who was president of the agency in Kalihi that helped people manage their debts. Her sentencing is scheduled in late November before U.S. Magistrate Kevin Chang.

In return for heroin, Haxton admitted to exchanging small bills for larger bills to hide profits for a Mexican drug ring.

According to court documents filed in April, Haxton rented her father's house to a Mexican man who sold heroin. Haxton stated she purchased heroin from the man. Furthermore, she said she and her husband smoked heroin in October or November 2000.

Earlier, the couple was charged with being drug users in possession of guns.

In April, Haxton posted a $50,000 bond to enter a Sand Island drug treatment facility.

Attorney David Bettencourt, who represents Michael Haxton, said his client's case is still pending. Michael Haxton's trial has been postponed to Nov. 6 before U.S. District Judge Susan Oki Mollway.