A former state engineer was sentenced to a maximum 10 years imprisonment for stealing more than $750,000 from several state construction projects, including the state Capitol renovations. 10 years for ex-state
worker for theftBy Debra Barayuga
dbarayuga@starbulletin.comFidel Eviota, 52, of Waianae, pleaded guilty earlier to first-degree theft, money laundering and illegal ownership of a business in a scheme that occurred between August 1995 and June 1999.
"I made a mistake and take full responsibility," the former Department of Accounting and General Services employee of the year said yesterday before Circuit Judge Richard Perkins.
Scott Collins, Eviota's attorney, said his client truly regrets what he did and apologizes not only to family and friends but to the public for violating their trust.
Under a plea agreement, Eviota has agreed to pay restitution of $759,617, an amount the state felt was reasonable given his cooperation thus far in the ongoing investigation.
He also agreed to forfeit property that he obtained using state funds and to testify for the state in any cases the state may bring against other defendants involved in the scheme.
Deputy Attorney General Chris Young said he hopes the sentence sends a message to state employees that if they break the law, they will face penalties.
Young said Eviota was placed in a position of trust in which he reviewed contracts and oversaw construction projects to ensure the work was done on time and within budget.
"He falsified work orders, allowing him to make money off of the state," Young said.
What's worse is that Eviota didn't do it out of necessity, but out of greed, he added.
As part of the scheme, Eviota persuaded various unidentified construction contractors to make payments to bogus subcontractors for work never done or materials that were never installed. Contractors would then get reimbursed by the state.
At least three subcontractors who received payments did no legitimate work in the construction industry and were either friends of Eviota or family members.
They either cashed the payments and kicked back a portion to Eviota or deposited their checks into a joint account set up by Eviota in his and their names.