Ex-beauty queen in Harris
probe still awaiting trial

Answer: Otsuka, 35, is awaiting trial the week of May 31 in one of two theft cases.

Trial in both matters has been delayed after she changed attorneys at least three times and gave birth last year. A hearing is pending on a motion to suppress statements she gave to police following her arrest in August 2002.

Earlier this month, Otsuka informed the court that she is pregnant with her second child, which may delay trial again.

Otsuka was indicted in November 2002 on a second-degree theft charge and eight counts of second-degree forgery for allegedly stealing from her former employer, Hon/Hawaii Auto Repairs, a now-defunct Kakaako auto repair shop.

Otsuka, who was hired to handle the company's books, is accused of forging eight checks totaling more than $12,000 from September to November 1999. Her employer had signed the checks in advance to pay for bills and her salary. She allegedly did not do the work and instead applied the checks for her own use.

Otsuka is also charged with second-degree theft in a September 2002 indictment for allegedly stealing $3,000 from a fund raiser for Manutahi, a nonprofit Tahitian dance group.

Defense attorney Richard Hoke argues there was no probable cause to arrest Otsuka, that she was arrested without a warrant and that she was coerced and intimidated into giving a statement.

Deputy Prosecutor Kory Young contends Otsuka was being questioned about matters involving tax fraud, money laundering, racketeering and prostitution and was not in custody for the thefts at the time. Otsuka was told of her right to remain silent and she considered consulting an attorney but later opted to give a statement, he said.