HPD major pleads
not guilty

Jeffrey Owens is 1 of 2 top officials
indicted in food-funds diversion

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By Debra Barayuga
dbarayuga@starbulletin.com

A Honolulu Police Department major pleaded not guilty today to misappropriating funds intended to feed prisoners at the main police cellblock and diverting the money to benefit police officers instead.

Major Jeffrey Owens, 50, is one of two high-ranking police officials indicted Thursday on a charge of second-degree theft involving the purchases of extravagant food items, including rack of lamb and prime rib that fed top department officials, including the police chiefs and others between 1995 to 2000.

Owens declined to respond to the charge on the advice of his attorney, Darwin Ching. "Out of respect for the system, I will wait until my day in court in order for my turn to tell my side of what is going on," he said today after his arraignment.

"It's been a difficult time for me and my family," Owens added. He thanked the rank-and-file officers, fellow colleagues and people from the community who have supported and encouraged him with words and prayers.

Owens and Assistant Chief Rafael Fajardo, who were commanders in charge of the Central Receiving Division during the five-year period, are believed to be the highest-ranking police officials ever indicted on criminal charges.

Deputy Prosecutor Randal Lee said the alleged actions of the two should not cast a shadow on the department. "It should just be reflective of these individuals and not the entire police department."

Trial for Owens was set for Oct. 29. He is free on his own recognizance since the state does not believe he is a flight risk.

Fajardo is expected to be arraigned Thursday.

Others are expected to be charged later in the case and are cooperating.

Arrested persons brought to the police cellblock are usually fed foods or meals prepared in advance that require only heating, such as sandwiches, chili and rice, or pasta.