A 52-year-old Honolulu man pleaded guilty in federal court Monday to one count of aggravated identity theft stemming from his use of his deceased wife’s Social Security number in a fraudulent tax filing.
Richard Derrick Jr. faces a mandatory two years in prison, a fine of up to $250,000, and restitution. He is scheduled for sentencing on Jan. 10.
According to prosecutors, Derrick filed numerous fraudulent federal and state income tax returns using other people’s personal information.
Derrick pleaded guilty in the case involving his wife, and also acknowledged that he was responsible for fraudulently obtaining $241,897.60 in refunds from the state in cases using the other people’s personal information.
The case was investigated by the IRS-Criminal Investigation, the Social Security Administration Office of Inspector General, and the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, with the assistance of the state Department of Taxation, Criminal Investigation Section. The prosecution was handled by Assistant U.S. Attorney Amalia Fenton.
Maui politicians ask Ige to halt seawall project
WAILUKU >> Maui lawmakers are urging Gov. David Ige to halt the construction of a seawall along a highway on the western part of the island as protests have erupted over the $3 million project.
State Rep. Angus McKelvey (D, Lahaina- Kaanapali-Honokohau) and Maui County Councilman Don Couch sent separate letters to the governor Friday. They both have asked Ige to delay the Honoapiilani Highway project to allow time for government agencies and community members to review potential impacts of the construction.
Their requests come as protesters have occupied the construction site to raise awareness about their environmental concerns with the seawall, which they say will harm endangered Hawaiian monk seals.
Couch called for a 60-day moratorium on the project and suggested the Department of Transpor- tation make use of an unused cane haul road in the meantime.
The DOT said the project, which includes guardrail installation and widening of the road, is aimed at protecting the highway from erosion. Agency officials said the project has already gone through the environmental process, which included a public comment period.
The governor’s office said Ige was unable to comment.
