FORMER AUGUST AHRENS ELEMENTARY SCHOOL PRINCIPAL CHARGED WITH TAMPERING WITH A GOVERNMENT RECORD
News Release from Office of Hawaii Attorney General September 6, 2013
HONOLULU – Attorney General David M. Louie announced today that a two-count penal summons complaint was filed on July 22, 2013 and recently served upon Florentina Smith (69) of Waipahu.
The two-count complaint charges Ms. Smith with Tampering with a Government Record on November 12, 2011 and November 19, 2011. Ms. Smith served as the Principal of August Ahrens Elementary when the alleged offenses occurred. Tampering with a Government Record occurs when a person knowingly and falsely makes, completes or alters, or knowingly makes a false entry into, a written government record.
Tampering with a Government Record is a misdemeanor offense punishable by up to a year in jail and/or a $2,000 fine. Arraignment and plea is set for Monday, September 9, 2013 at 8:30 a.m., Ewa District Court, Courtroom B. The complaint filed against Ms. Smith is merely an allegation filed by the State and she is presumed innocent of the charges unless and until she is found guilty by a judge or jury.
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SA Feb 21, 2012: As state investigates case, a principal gets paid leave
Question: Whatever happened to the principal of August Ahrens Elementary School in Waipahu, who was put on administrative leave following allegations of financial impropriety?
Answer: Six months after she was placed on paid administrative leave, August Ahrens Principal Florentina Smith is still not back at work, as the state investigates the allegations against her….
Sources have told the Star-Advertiser that Smith is being investigated for allegedly directing a teacher to file a per diem reimbursement claim for training that did not occur….
Meanwhile, in an unrelated case, a vice principal at the school was also placed on leave in January. He has not returned to the school and an investigation continues. The vice principal was put on leave after a complaint from a teacher….
read … a principal gets paid leave