Katherine and Louis Kealoha want to be tried by a federal judge instead of a jury in the upcoming trial on bank fraud and identity theft charges in January.

The former city prosecutor and former police chief, who have already been convicted of conspiracy and obstruction charges in a previous trial, waived their right to a jury trial in a memo filed Tuesday in federal court. On Thursday, federal prosecutors consented to the request.

The Kealohas face a bundle of accusations, including stealing from the trust fund of children that Katherine Kealoha was a guardian for and defrauding banks.

The previous trial was by a 12-member jury that was selected from a pool of more than 400 people.

A hearing has been set for Wednesday on the request.

Trusted news when you need it most

Now more than ever, local news is a vital community resource: connecting neighbors, uplifting voices and sharing information that empowers people to make informed decisions in their everyday lives. Our work is especially critical in times of crises. 

You can help power our coverage and nonprofit mission with a tax-deductible donation of any amount. Mahalo.

About the Author