Hawaii couple plead guilty in investment fraud scheme

HONOLULU (AP) — A Hawaii husband and wife have pleaded guilty in a multimillion-dollar investment scheme.

The U.S. attorney's office in Hawaii says Neil and Lyndie Kauhi pleaded guilty Wednesday in federal court. He pleaded guilty to wire fraud, and she pleaded guilty to misprision of a felony.

Prosecutors say that between 2012 and 2018, Neil Kauhi took in more than $2.5 million by promising more than 20 victims that their money would be invested in precious metals, real estate, a trucking company and a solar energy company.

Prosecutors say Kauhi diverted most of the money for his family's personal use, such as travel, rent, restaurants and a daughter's wedding.

Prosecutors say his wife knew about the scheme but didn't report it.

They are being held without bail until their October sentencing.