Feds eye KAILUA-KONA >> A Kona police officer was suspended yesterday while police and federal agents investigate allegations that he revealed confidential information to people who are under federal investigation, police said.
Big Isle officer
The policeman is accused
of tipping off suspects under
federal investigationBy Rod Thompson
rthompson@starbulletin.comThe announcement from the office of Acting Chief Lawrence Mahuna did not identify the officer beyond saying that he has been with the Hawaii County Police Department for four years and was assigned to patrol duty.
The officer was notified of the suspension at 4:10 p.m. yesterday, the announcement said. It did not state whether the officer will receive pay during the suspension period.
The officer is being investigated by the Hilo and Kona branches of the department's Criminal Investigation Section and by federal authorities on suspicion of hindering investigation, the announcement said. The specific federal agency involved was not named.
Yesterday's announcement is believed to be the first time the department has publicly acknowledged a case of an officer allegedly revealing confidential information to suspects.
The officer is also the subject of an administrative investigation by the Internal Affairs Unit for alleged violation of several department rules and procedures, the announcement said.
No description was given of the federal investigation in which the officer became involved by tipping off suspects.
Department officials were not available for further comment.
Hawaii County Police Department
County of Hawaii
