Former HPD detective will
testify against higher-ups

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By Debra Barayuga
dbarayuga@starbulletin.com

A retired Honolulu police detective has agreed to testify against higher-ranking police officials charged with misappropriating funds intended to feed prisoners being held at the Central Receiving Division.

John Michael Spondike, 52, pleaded no contest to second-degree theft yesterday under a plea agreement in which he agreed to assist prosecutors with the ongoing investigation.

He and his attorney, Sam King Jr., declined comment.

Spondike, a 26-year veteran of the department, was the third person to be charged in the scandal, which involved funds intended for prisoner meals being used for extravagant meals for police officers and higher-ups.

"His plea validates and confirms what we found in our investigation," said Deputy Prosecutor Randal Lee.

After he retired as a detective in Internal Affairs in December 1994, Spondike was rehired in September 1995 to assist booking and processing prisoners. His duties were diverted to the receiving desk kitchen, where he was involved with ordering ready-made meals for prisoners. He left in June 1998.