Disney theft, fraud suspect is charged

A former hotel store manager has been charged with theft for allegedly stealing more than $34,000 from Disney Parks and Resorts.

A grand jury earlier this month indicted Sandra M. Pagay, 48, of Mililani; she was booked Thursday on charges of first-degree theft and first-degree computer fraud, both felonies.

Prosecutors allege Pagay stole the money between January 2013 and April 2014 by way of fraudulent returns at Kalepa’s Store, a sundries and gift shop at Disney’s Aulani, a resort and spa in Kapolei, where she worked as assistant store manager.

If convicted, the computer fraud charge — a Class A felony — carries a maximum 20-year prison term, while the theft charge carries a maximum 10 years.

Pagay was released on $11,000 bail and is scheduled to appear in court Thursday for her arraignment.

After being terminated from the hotel position, she was hired in September 2014 as an educational assistant at Mililani High School.

Donalyn Dela Cruz, spokeswoman for the Department of Education, said Friday that the department had been unaware of the charges against Pagay but that a subsequent background check showed the recent arrest.

“Now the process for (the DOE) is following up on the outcome and gathering more information to see if she is still suitable to be employed at a school,” Dela Cruz said in an email.