Press Release
U.S. Department of Justice
United States Attorney
District of Hawaii
PJKK Federal Building (808) 541-2850
300 Ala Moana Blvd., Room 6-100 FAX (808) 541-2958
Honolulu, Hawaii 96850
For Immediate Release
Contact: Elliot Enoki
November 16, 2007
WOMAN RECEIVES 130 MONTHS IN PRISON
AND ORDERED TO FORFEIT $1 MILLION
HONOLULU, HAWAII - Ai Hang Thi Hyde, also known as Kim Hyde, age 35, was sentenced today to 130 months in prison by Chief United States District Judge Helen Gillmor on drug trafficking and related money laundering charges. Hyde, an Australian citizen, was also ordered to forfeit $1,068,800 as proceeds of and property used to facilitate criminal activity. Hyde’s co-defendant, Ryan Shinjo, received 120 months in prison on November 1.
Edward H. Kubo, Jr., United States Attorney for the District of Hawaii, said that according to information produced in court, Hyde arranged for co-conspirators to receive parcels containing methamphetamine from California and also traveled with others to obtain pounds of methamphetamine and currency on trips to and from Hawaii. Hyde admitted that between September 2001 and December 2006, she agreed to have kilogram quantities sent or transported from California sources to Hawaii for distribution. Hyde engaged in sophisticated financial transactions with her business and personal bank accounts at different bank branches in attempts to launder her drug proceeds and to reinvest funds for drug purchases.
The case was the culmination of a two-and-a-half year joint investigation by the Bureau of Immigration and Customs Enforcement and the Drug Enforcement Administration. The prosecution was handled by Assistant United States Attorney Beverly Wee Sameshima.
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