The maximum penalty for convictions of both conversion of public funds and misconduct in public office is 10 years imprisonment and/or $10,000.00 fine for a possible maximum sentence of 20 years imprisonment and $20,000 in fines.
In return, the government agreed to dismiss the money laundering case against him.
The former governor was accused of converting public funds to his own use on at least 100 occasions between 2003 and 2007. He was charged with 302 counts of misuse of public funds and misconduct in public office.
Court records revealed that Kodep committed the offense by “embezzling, stealing, purloining or knowingly converting to his use own use funds of the Melekeok State Government, and that defendant stole and converted to his own use funds in excess of $100 belonging to the Melekeok State Treasury.”
A witness who had been an employee at Melekeok State Government for that past 25 years also stated that Kodep, on numerous occasions, had asked her to justify payments and cash that the former governor received. The affidavit stated that the money was used to pay Kodep’s personal loan at Bank of Hawaii.
Sentencing is set for March 29 at 9am.
