Glenn Nitta

Japanese American Glenn Nitta paid back the stolen money by having his defense attorney hand over a single cashier’s check for $406,000 to Mililani High School on the island of Oahu. Restitution was made following his sentencing hearing.

The Financial Requirements Imposed

While Nitta avoided prison time and was sentenced to four years of probation, the court and state agencies ordered him to pay significantly more than just the restitution.

Full Restitution: a total of $406,000 to cover the total amount embezzled from the athletic booster club from 2015 to 2021

Criminal Fines: court-ordered fines totaling $155,000, set at payment terms of $100 per month during his probation period because he is retired

Ethics Commission Penalties: an additional administrative penalty of $274,500 levied by the Hawaii State Ethics Commission for 338 separate violations of the State Ethics Code

Nitta spent 48 years at Mililani High School as a teacher, coach, and athletic director. He pleaded no contest to multiple felony charges after an investigation revealed he treated the school’s booster club as a personal bank account.

He used the funds to pay off personal credit card bills, issue checks to family members, pay for personal travel, and withdraw cash at ATMs in Las Vegas.