Woman gets prison term for Ponzi scheme
A federal judge Monday afternoon sentenced an Ewa Beach woman who operated an $800,000 Ponzi scheme to 46 months in prison for mail fraud.
Suzette M. Anguay, 50, pleaded guilty to the charge in August. In addition to the prison term, U.S. District Judge Leslie E. Kobayashi ordered Anguay to pay back $510,178 that she owes 11 couples or individuals.
Prosecutors said Anguay operated the scheme from 2007 to 2010 and collected more than $800,000 from victims who either hand-delivered or mailed her the money.
She promised them returns of 15 to 30 percent through her company Money $en$e, which she said invested in real estate, according to prosecutors.
Instead of investing the money, Anguay used it to pay off her own mortgage and consumer debt as well as travel and other personal living expenses, such as food and utilities, prosecutors said. She also used money from newer victims to pay off earlier "investors."
Ex-councilman chosen as county clerk
Former Maui County Council Chairman Dennis A. "Danny" Mateo has been appointed county clerk.
The Council adopted a resolution Friday selecting Mateo.
Mateo, 62, the son of a Filipino sugar worker who moved to Hawaii, served five two-year terms as a Council member, his last four years as chairman.
The county clerk, with an annual salary of $93,000, conducts all elections in the county and is in charge of keeping and maintaining county records, including ordinances.
Mateo, who sat on the Molokai seat on the Council, said he plans to live and work on Maui but return to live in his house on Molokai at least once a month.
Memorial book open for Mandela tributes
A Nelson Mandela memorial book is available at Valley of the Temples Memorial Park in Kaneohe for the public to write messages and tributes.
Valley of the Temples said its book, which will be open daily through Dec. 31 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., will be shared with Mandela’s family and constituents.
The former president of South Africa died Thursday, touching off tributes from leaders and admirers around the world. His memorial today at the World Cup soccer stadium outside Soweto will be attended by President Barack Obama and three former U.S. presidents, as well as other dignitaries.
