Former Lahainaluna principal wanted on felony charges

LAHAINA (HawaiiNewsNow) – A former Lahainaluna High School principal is wanted on a $200,000 bench warrant for multiple felony offenses, including theft, fraud and official misconduct, according to public court records.

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Jeri Dean started with the Hawaiʻi State Department of Education (HIDOE) in 1995 as an elementary teacher. She became principal at Lahainaluna in 2021, and HIDOE officials said she “separated” with the department in 2024.

Charges detailed in court records

Public court records show Dean was charged by the state attorney general with first-degree theft, fraud and official misconduct for allegedly submitting false information in her official capacity as a public servant from 2022 to 2024.

The attorney general alleges she intentionally obtained unauthorized control over Hawaiʻi Department of Education money valued over tens of thousands of dollars by deception.

The attorney general also alleges Dean intentionally obtained a salary from the HIDOE while on Department Directed Leave, despite not complying with conditions set by the department.

Dean’s attorney, Brandon Segal, says she adamantly denies the charges, is in the process of turning herself in and they will fight the case in court.

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2021 protest over student discipline

In 2021, then-Lahainaluna High School senior Benjamin Lolesio and his family called for HIDOE to investigate Dean after Lolesio said he was wrongfully disciplined for posting his opinion about her on social media.

Days after Lolesio’s punishment, community members protested outside Lahainaluna High School in support of him, and a petition was made to remove Dean as principal.

Five years later, Lolesio’s mother, Tonata Lolesio, says the allegations are not that shocking.

“I kind of can look back and feel reassured that the decision we made at that time was the right thing to do, and now we can move forward with a renewed sense of peace,” Tonata Lolesio said.

Dean’s supporters said she is a hard worker and dedicated educator who loves her children and grandchildren and is trying to focus on rebuilding her home that was lost in the 2023 fire.

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