(Koror, Palau) Palau’s Court accepted the guilty plea agreement Ms. Rowena Cawit, a Philippine national, made with the prosecution, pleading guilty to Theft in the 1st Degree.
Ms. Cawit was hired by Utelligence Limited., a parent company of Palau Solar Corporation. While working for Palau Solar Corp. in Palau, Cawit forged documents, manipulated company payroll and paid herself and her boyfriend illegally, stealing over $33,000 from Palau Solar Corp. Through an independent audit, the theft was discovered, and Ms. Cawit was charged in Palau court.
After accepting the plea agreement, the court sentenced Ms. Cawit to 5 years’ probation, deportation from Palau within 30 days, pay a $500 fine, and mandated Cawit to pay back what was stolen from Palau Solar Corp. Ms. Cawit will not be able to return to Palau until her probation is over.
Theft in the First Degree is a Class B felony with a maximum penalty of ten (10) years imprisonment and a $25,000 fine. The plea agreement made the settlement much less stiff, allowing Ms. Cawit to return to her home country and negotiate an agreement with Utelligence to pay back what was stolen.