Judge Ronald G. Johnson of the O‘ahu Circuit Court sentenced Honolulu Police Officer Cheyne Kaninau today for committing insurance fraud, a Class-C felony. Kaninau was involved in an automobile accident and subsequently obtained a GEICO insurance policy. He then attempted to file a claim with GEICO to have them pay for damages to his uninsured vehicle in the amount of $6,700.
Hawaii Insurance Commissioner Gordon Ito emphasized the broader impact of insurance fraud: “Insurance fraud is not a victimless crime. Fraudulent practices such as filing false claims not only violate the law, but it also increases insurance premiums that are passed on to the consumers.”
As part of his sentence, Kaninau was ordered to perform community service and pay a fine as well as mandatory court-related fees. Judge Johnson also granted a deferral whereby Kaninau was ordered to abide by the standard terms and conditions for four years.