Assistant Attorney General Shelli Neal signed the second amended information, charging Mike Pai’s wife Joanna C. Pai, and her mother, Columba I. Chong.
Mrs. Pai earlier denied the charge in her arraignment two weeks ago, saying the utility account in question was in the name of another person.
Former Attorney General Rex Kosack represents Mrs. Pai.
On or about Aug. 30, 2011, the amended charging document stated Mrs. Pai and Chong “intended to obtain utility services for their benefit, or for the benefit of another without paying the full lawful charge by using or receiving the direct benefit of all or a portion of utility services with knowledge or reason to believe that a diversion, prevention of accurate measuring function, or unauthorized connection existed at the time of use or that the use or receipt was otherwise without the authorization or consent of the utility.”
After Mrs. Pai’s arraignment, Kosack filed a motion dismissing the original charge, arguing the court should dismiss the case “on the ground that it fails to adequately allege criminal offense.”
Kosack also filed a motion for discovery that included “any documents reflecting or relating to the involvement of [Attorney General] Edward T. Buckingham in the decision to charge this case.”
Buckingham has been publicly feuding with Pai’s husband, Public Auditor Mike Pai.
“Mrs. Pai is not the customer. The utility account is in the name of another person. The government should be aware of this fact,” Kosack said.
