Chief Justice Michael Kruse has granted the work release motion for LBJ Hospital’s former Business Manager Jennifer Tofaeono  that was filed through her attorney Sharron Rancourt in the High Court Friday morning. Tofaeono pled guilty to conspiracy to commit felony stealing of hospital money to the tune of $50,000.

The court made its decision after they heard from a consultancy firm that Tofaeono is helping as a grant writer and she is highly skilled in the work that she does. Deputy Attorney General Mitzie Jessop did not object to the work release on this matter.

Kruse ordered that defendant on released on Monday , Wednesday and Friday from 6am to 6pm. He pointed out that if Tofaeono is required to work on other days of the week defense must make a motion indicating this.

During sentencing in this matter, Kruse, pointed out that while employed at the hospital Tofaeono and subordinate(s) were involved in a scheme using credit cards and somehow receipts from those transactions would be cashed out by the hospital cashier. 

The cash was given to the defendant and the hospital’s credit card receipt never made it to the hospital’s bank account. Kruse said the court was concerned about the defendant’s plea of mitigation and the government’s spin on this matter, however the court is also concerned about the justice system and parity of cases in similar situations.

The Chief Justice sentenced Tofaeono to five years in jail, however the execution of sentence was suspended under certain conditions. She was then ordered to serve 20 months in jail, pay restitution in the amount of $51,900, and remain a law-abiding citizen.

Kruse said at the time that the court was open to court release for the purpose of restitution being reasonably made to the hospital.