The court found former police lieutenant Jonnie Ngeluk guilty of one count of Theft of Government Property in the First Degree in a verdict issued on February 2, 2022. The sentencing is scheduled for January 17, 2023.
Ngeluk was charged this year by the Office of the Attorney General for retaining government property with an approximate value of $10,000 “with intent to convert it to her own use, knowing the property belonged to the Palau Bureau of Public Safety.
The items which were donated by the Australian Federal Police (AFT) were reportedly found in her residence and with a relative.
The court, at the trial, found the defendant Ngeluk guilty of the sole charge brought against her. The violation is a class B Felony punishable by one to 10 years imprisonment and a fine of up to $25,000.
Ms. Ngeluk has served the police force for nearly 20 years and is the 4th high-ranking female in the police force. (By: L.N. Reklai)