District of Hawaii
Press releases recorded for this federal judicial district.
United States Asserts New Civil Forfeiture Theory Alleging Michael J. Miske Committed Suicide to Obstruct Criminal Forfeiture ProceedingRead the Press Release
HONOLULU – United States Attorney Ken Sorenson announced that the government has moved for leave to amend its civil forfeiture complaint regarding the criminal proceeds of Michael J. Miske (“Miske”). The motion is based on evidence uncovered in an ongoing criminal investigation showing that Miske and others conspired to obstruct an earlier criminal forfeiture proceeding by smuggling fentanyl into prison so that Miske could die by overdose and thereby thwart the forfeiture of his criminal proceeds, estimated at over $20 million.
According to court documents, Miske was in prison pending sentencing at the time of his death on or about December 1, 2024, having been convicted by a federal jury on July 18, 2024 of racketeering conspiracy, murder, and 11 other felony charges. On July 24, 2024, in a related criminal forfeiture proceeding, the jury also found 27 assets seized from Miske forfeitable as property constituting or derived from proceeds of Miske’s racketeering activity. Miske’s death, however, resulted in the abatement of the criminal proceeding and criminal forfeiture proceeding. This abatement thwarted the government’s effort to obtain title to the assets subject to forfeiture because it terminated the criminal forfeiture proceeding. The government subsequently filed a civil forfeiture action as to those assets.
As alleged in court documents, an ongoing criminal investigation has uncovered evidence that Miske conspired with others to smuggle fentanyl into the Federal Detention Center, Honolulu (“FDC Honolulu”), which Miske used to commit suicide. Miske’s motivation in committing suicide was to interfere with the government’s criminal forfeiture of Miske’s seized assets, based upon advice Miske had received from his attorney(s). Miske arranged to provide a vehicle to another inmate who had been released from federal custody on conditions of supervised release. The vehicle was payment for the inmate deliberately violating his release conditions and smuggling fentanyl for Miske into FDC Honolulu when arrested and remanded into custody. Miske used small amounts of fentanyl in the day(s) leading up to his suicide, believing it would mislead investigators into thinking his death was an accidental overdose. As noted in court filings, the criminal investigation is still ongoing.
“Our criminal prosecution of Michael Miske demonstrated that he was a thug who used robbery, felony assaults, drug trafficking, fraud, chemical weapons attacks on his competitors, murder, and criminal obstruction to terrorize and intimidate Hawaii for many years,” said United States Attorney Ken Sorenson. “When he was found guilty by a brave Hawaii jury, Miske then resorted to a plan to frustrate the lawful forfeiture of his criminally derived property by scheming to kill himself while in federal custody awaiting sentencing. Today’s amended complaint demonstrates our solemn resolve to pursue criminally derived proceeds and deny criminals like Miske the power to dictate the fate of their ill-gotten gains.”
The assertions in the proposed second amended civil forfeiture complaint are merely accusations, and any potential defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law. In the case of conviction, any sentence would be imposed by a United States District Judge based on the statutory sentencing factors and the advisory United States Sentencing Guidelines.
The FBI is investigating the criminal case.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Aislinn K. Affinito and Joseph McGinley and Trial Attorney Stephanie Williamson of the Money Laundering, Narcotics, and Forfeiture Section are prosecuting the civil forfeiture case.
Federal Jury Convicts Military Lawyer of Attempted Sexual Enticement and Exploitation of MinorsRead the Press Release
HONOLULU – United States Attorney Ken Sorenson announced that, after a five-day trial, Ross Andrew Brown, 44, of Kailua, was convicted by a federal jury on February 27, 2026 on two counts of attempted sexual enticement of a minor, two counts of attempted sexual exploitation of a minor, and two counts of attempted receipt of child pornography. Brown is a lawyer serving as a Lieutenant Colonel in the United States Air Force Judge Advocate General’s Corps and is stationed in Hawaii. Sentencing is set for June 23, 2026. Brown was remanded into custody pending a bail hearing scheduled for March 4, 2026.
At trial, the evidence showed that Brown communicated via social media platforms Whisper and Telegram with undercover law enforcement agents posing as a 14-year-old girl. During the communications, Brown attempted to persuade the fictitious girl to engage in sexual activity prohibited by Hawaii law, describing the acts in which they would engage and inquiring about the fictitious girl’s sexual history. On April 17, 2023, Brown drove to Schofield Barracks to meet the fictitious girl and was arrested by federal law enforcement agents.
Evidence introduced at trial from Brown’s phone demonstrated that Brown engaged in sexually explicit online communications with 38 people who represented themselves to be girls as young as 12 years old. In a February 2021 conversation with a person presenting as a 15-year-old girl, Brown requested that the person photograph herself and a third party engaging in sexual activity and send it to him. Brown received from that person, whom Brown thought to be a 15-year-old girl, images of female genitalia and of a male and a female engaged in sex – all of which the other person indicated depicted her. In a June 2021 conversation with a person presenting as a 17-year-old, Brown received an image of female genitalia that the other person represented to be hers. In August 2021, during a layover while traveling for work, Brown attempted to persuade a person presenting as a 15-year-old girl to meet for sex in an airport hotel. After the other person did not show up for the rendezvous, Brown continued contacting that person, informing her that he would be in her home state in October 2021.
“The jury’s conviction of Brown sends a strong message that those who use social media and the internet to sexually exploit children will face swift justice in Hawaii. We remain committed to charging, trying, and convicting those who seek to victimize our keiki with their repulsive conduct,” said U.S. Attorney Ken Sorenson. “Hunting down and bringing to justice child predators like Brown remains one of our highest law enforcement priorities.”
“It is a profound breach of trust to both our military community and the public we serve, when a senior military officer commits crimes that exploit the vulnerable,” said Special Agent in Charge Ruben Santiago, Department of the Army Criminal Investigation Division, Pacific Field Office. “This investigation makes it clear that no rank, position, or title places anyone above the law and I am exceptionally proud of our Special Agents whose tireless, meticulous work led to this offender’s conviction. Army CID remains unwavering in our commitment to protect our Soldiers, Families, and our communities; we will relentlessly pursue accountability, regardless of status or position.”
“AFOSI Det. 601 was honored to lead this investigation working with partnered agencies across Oahu. AFOSI agents spanning several units relentlessly pursued the truth and led intricate investigative activities gleaning evidence that led to the offender’s conviction,” said Special Agent Eric Little, commander of Air Force Office of Special Investigations (AFOSI) Det. 601. “AFOSI Det. 601 remains vigilant and ready to proactively protect our Oahu community.”
The Department of the Army Criminal Investigation Division and Air Force Office of Special Investigations investigated the case with assistance from Naval Criminal Investigative Service.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Craig Nolan prosecuted the case.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by U.S. Attorneys' Offices and CEOS, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit Justice.gov/PSC.
Former Navy Petty Officer Sentenced to over 8 Years in Federal Prison for Possession of Violent Child PornographyRead the Press Release
HONOLULU – United States Attorney Ken Sorenson announced that Rumaldo Valdez, 22, a former Navy Petty Officer Third Class stationed on Oahu, was sentenced yesterday to 97 months in prison followed by 10 years of supervised release for possessing child pornography. He also must register as a sex offender.
In his plea agreement, Valdez admitted to possessing child pornography on a United States military base. In May 2024, FBI and Naval Criminal Investigative Service (NCIS) agents searched Valdez’s residence at the Naval Computer and Telecom Area Master Station Pacific in Wahiawa, Hawaii. Agents found hard drives containing child pornography and child-abuse materials. Some of these materials depicted infant rape, torture of a toddler, and a “fan sign” image in which a nude boy is holding a sign that reads, “Duck#8030.” Valdez used the “Duck#8030” username while previously participating in “Greggy’s Cult,” an online group that produced and distributed child sex abuse material and extorted children into carving “fan signs” bearing the extortionists’ online usernames into their skin. Members of “Greggy’s Cult,” including Valdez, are pending charges in the Eastern District of New York for operating a child exploitation enterprise, among other crimes.
The FBI’s search and arrest of Valdez stemmed from its investigation into “Greggy’s Cult” as part of the Department of Justice’s Operation Relentless Justice, a coordinated enforcement effort to identify, track, and arrest child sex predators. The nationwide crackdown has resulted in hundreds of child victims being located and the arrests of hundreds of child sexual abuse offenders.
“Let Valdez’s sentence serve as a warning to any other depraved and sadistic individuals who seek to harm and exploit children – there is nowhere for you to hide, no corner of the internet you will not be found, and no stone we will leave unturned to bring you to justice,” said U.S. Attorney Ken Sorenson. “The protection of our children is one of our highest priorities, and in concert with our law enforcement partners, we will bring the full weight of the Department of Justice to bear on child predators.”
“Yesterday’s sentencing sends a clear and uncompromising message that those who hide behind screens to exploit and terrorize our children will be brought to justice,” said FBI Honolulu Special Agent in Charge David Porter. “No matter how organized or clandestine these groups think they are, they cannot outrun the consequences of their actions. The FBI remains relentless in our mission to protect the children in our communities, and we will aggressively pursue those who commit these horrific crimes and bring justice to their doorstep.”
“Those who prey on and exploit innocent children violate the most fundamental laws of human society and must be held accountable,” said Special Agent in Charge Anna Ryan of the NCIS Hawaii Field Office. “NCIS and our law enforcement partners remain unwavering in our commitment to rooting out and thoroughly investigating child predators.”
FBI and NCIS investigated the case.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Wayne A. Myers and Jonathan D. Slack prosecuted the case.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by U.S. Attorneys' Offices and CEOS, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit Justice.gov/PSC.
Former Maui Police Officer Sentenced to 65 Months for Unjustified TasingRead the Press Release
HONOLULU – United States Attorney Ken Sorenson announced that Carlos Frate, 41, a former Maui Police Department officer, was sentenced today to 65 months in prison followed by 3 years of supervised release for using unreasonable force against an arrestee. Frate previously pled guilty in August 2025 to one count of deprivation of rights under color of law.
Frate admitted that on January 6, 2024, Frate repeatedly tased an arrestee, even though the arrestee was not resisting or posing any threat. Frate admitted that he knew that his force was unjustified, but he nonetheless continued to tase the arrestee despite the arrestee’s pleas for him to stop.
“Today’s sentence should serve as a reminder that no one is above the law,” said U.S. Attorney Ken Sorenson. “Our law enforcement officers play an invaluable role in our community, serving at the frontline in preventing and investigating crime, protecting our citizens, and keeping Hawaii safe. We entrust them with enormous power and expect them to wield that power responsibly and constitutionally. While the vast majority of law enforcement officers conduct their duties with honor, integrity, and restraint, we are committed to bring to justice those who on the rare occasion violate the public trust by abusing their power or using excessive force.”
“The defendant’s acts were abusive and unbecoming of the oath he swore to protect the public,” said Harmeet K. Dhillon, Assistant Attorney General of the Civil Rights Division. “Law enforcement officers who abuse their positions of power will be held accountable by this Administration.”
“Trust between our citizens and the men and women of law enforcement who serve them is foundational to the safety and success of any community,” said FBI Honolulu Special Agent in Charge David Porter. “By using excessive force and abusing the power entrusted in him, the defendant didn’t just break the law—he betrayed the community’s trust and made the job more difficult for the vast majority of law enforcement putting in good work every day. The FBI and our partners will continue to aggressively investigate any officers who violate the public trust and their duty to serve.”
FBI investigated the case based on a referral from the Maui Police Department.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael F. Albanese and Trial Attorney Julia White of the Civil Rights Division prosecuted the case.
Former Maui Police Officer Sentenced to 65 Months for Unjustified TasingRead the Press Release
Carlos Frate, 41, a former Maui Police Department officer, was sentenced today to 65 months in prison followed by three years of supervised release for using unreasonable force against an arrestee. Frate previously pled guilty in August 2025 to one count of deprivation of rights under color of law.
Frate admitted that on Jan. 6, 2024, Frate repeatedly tased an arrestee, even though the arrestee was not resisting or posing any threat. Frate admitted that he knew that his force was unjustified, but he nonetheless continued to tase the arrestee despite the arrestee’s pleas for him to stop.
“The defendant’s acts were abusive and unbecoming of the oath he swore to protect the public,” said Assistant Attorney General Harmeet K. Dhillon of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division. “Law enforcement officers who abuse their positions of power will be held accountable by this Administration.”
“Today’s sentence should serve as a reminder that no one is above the law,” said U.S. Attorney Ken Sorenson for the District of Hawaii. “Our law enforcement officers play an invaluable role in our community, serving at the frontline in preventing and investigating crime, protecting our citizens, and keeping Hawaii safe. We entrust them with enormous power and expect them to wield that power responsibly and constitutionally. While the vast majority of law enforcement officers conduct their duties with honor, integrity, and restraint, we are committed to bring to justice those who on the rare occasion violate the public trust by abusing their power or using excessive force.”
“Trust between our citizens and the men and women of law enforcement who serve them is foundational to the safety and success of any community,” said Special Agent in Charge David Porter of the FBI Honolulu Field Office. “By using excessive force and abusing the power entrusted in him, the defendant didn’t just break the law — he betrayed the community’s trust and made the job more difficult for the vast majority of law enforcement putting in good work every day. The FBI and our partners will continue to aggressively investigate any officers who violate the public trust and their duty to serve.”
FBI investigated the case based on a referral from the Maui Police Department.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael F. Albanese for the District of Hawaii and Trial Attorney Julia White of the Civil Rights Division prosecuted the case.
Armed Felon and Methamphetamine Trafficker from Oahu Sentenced to over 14 Years in Federal PrisonRead the Press Release
HONOLULU – United States Attorney Ken Sorenson announced that Douglas Neddles Keikilani Junior Manago, 46, of Ewa Beach, was sentenced on February 24, 2026, in federal court by Senior United States District Judge Helen Gillmor to 178 months in prison followed by 5 years of supervised release for possessing methamphetamine and a firearm after having been previously convicted of a felony. Manago pled guilty pursuant to a plea agreement in November 2025. He was remanded into custody following his sentencing.
According to court records, Manago was distributing methamphetamine on Oahu. The charges to which he pled guilty stem from two separate traffic stops and subsequent search warrants executed on vehicles Manago was driving. Manago admitted that he possessed methamphetamine intending to distribute it to others, as well as a firearm that he was prohibited from possessing due to a prior felony conviction. In total, Manago was held responsible for over three pounds of methamphetamine.
The FBI and Honolulu Police Department investigated the case.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Margaret C. Nammar prosecuted the case.
This prosecution was part of the Homeland Security Task Force (HSTF) initiative established by Executive Order 14159, Protecting the American People Against Invasion. The HSTF is a whole-of-government partnership dedicated to eliminating criminal cartels, foreign gangs, transnational criminal organizations, and human smuggling and trafficking rings operating in the United States and abroad. Through historic interagency collaboration, the HSTF directs the full might of United States law enforcement towards identifying, investigating, and prosecuting the full spectrum of crimes committed by these organizations, which have long fueled violence and instability within our borders. In performing this work, the HSTF places special emphasis on investigating and prosecuting those engaged in child trafficking or other crimes involving children. The HSTF further utilizes all available tools to prosecute and remove the most violent criminal aliens from the United States. HSTF Hawaii comprises agents and officers from ICE-HSI, FBI, ATF, CBP, CGIS, DCIS, DEA, DSS, IRS-CI, NCIS, USMS, USPIS and HHIDTA with the prosecution being led by the United States Attorney’s Office for the District of Hawaii.
Georgia Resident Sentenced to 20 Months for Role in Conspiracy to Obstruct IRSRead the Press Release
HONOLULU – United States Attorney Ken Sorenson announced that Lazerrick Lawrence, 52, of Georgia, was sentenced on February 13, 2026 to 20 months in prison and 3 years of supervised release for conspiring with others to obstruct the IRS as part of a fraudulent tax refund scheme. Lawrence pled guilty in August 2025 shortly before the trial of his codefendants.
According to court documents and statements made in court, Lawrence conspired with others to prevent the IRS from recouping money unlawfully obtained by his co-conspirators through a tax refund scheme. From approximately January 2015 through September 2018, Lawrence’s co-conspirators prepared and filed false federal tax returns with the IRS. Each of these returns included fraudulent tax forms purportedly issued by mortgage lenders, which established large tax refunds that the scheme participants were not entitled to receive. As a result of these false returns, the U.S. Treasury issued refund checks to the scheme participants totaling more than $1 million.
Lawrence helped to support the conspiracy. Among other acts, he filed retaliatory liens against the IRS employee assigned to recover the fraudulently obtained funds, created corporate entities designed to conceal the true ownership of real properties subject to federal tax liens, and helped his co-conspirators file sham bankruptcy proceedings.
Four of Lawrence’s codefendants were convicted at trial in August 2025 and sentenced in January 2026 for their roles in the tax refund fraud scheme: Rosemarie Lastimado-Dradi was sentenced to 108 months’ imprisonment; Marciaminajuanequita Dumlao was sentenced to 33 months’ imprisonment; Elvah Miranda was sentenced to 48 months’ imprisonment; and Daniel Miranda was sentenced to 30 months’ imprisonment. A fifth codefendant, Danitta Ross Morton, is currently awaiting trial scheduled for September 2026.
IRS Criminal Investigation, the Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration, and FBI investigated the case.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Gregg Paris Yates and Trial Attorney Sarah A. Kiewlicz of the Criminal Division Tax Section prosecuted the case.
Honolulu Woman Sentenced to Seven Months for Threatening to Kill Presidents Biden and TrumpRead the Press Release
HONOLULU – United States Attorney Ken Sorenson announced that Rebecca Ann Folley, aka Becca Waters, 49, of Honolulu, Hawaii was sentenced yesterday to seven months of incarceration followed by three years of supervised release for threatening to kill Presidents Biden and Trump. Folley, who was incarcerated since her arrest on April 3, 2025 until November 6, 2025, received time served for her sentence. Her supervised release conditions include mandatory mental health and drug treatment. Folley pled guilty pursuant to a plea agreement in October 2025.
According to court records and statements made in court, on March 2, 2024, Folley threatened President Biden on her “Becca Waters” Facebook page by posting “Going to kill the president […].” On January 30, 2025, using that same account, Folley threatened President Trump by tagging a post on Honolulu City and County Councilman Tommy Waters’s Facebook wall stating, “LETS SEE IF THIS WILL TRIGGER THE GOVERNMENTAL RED FLAGS, AS TO REACH FEDERAL OFFICE’S OUTSIDE OF THE STATE OF HAWAII. 1/30/2025…” Folley attached screenshots stating, “I AM GOING TO BLOW UP THE WHITEHOUSE AND KILL THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA.” On February 3, 2025, using the same account, Folley posted, “YUP, EVERYONE, PLEASE LOOK AT MY BEAUTIFUL PUBLIC PRESIDENTIAL DEATH THREATS AND PUBLIC THREATS TO BLOW UP The White House BECAUSE I CAN LEGALLY GET AWAY WITH IT…”
United States Secret Service investigated the case.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Darren W.K. Ching prosecuted the case.
Honolulu Man Sentenced to 15 Years in Federal Prison for Production of Child PornographyRead the Press Release
HONOLULU – United States Attorney Ken Sorenson announced that Devan Caulk, 21, of Honolulu, Hawaii, was sentenced today to fifteen years in federal prison followed by ten years of supervised release for producing child pornography. He must also register as a sex offender. Caulk pled guilty pursuant to a plea agreement in October 2025.
As part of his guilty plea, Caulk admitted that he began an online interaction with a child and coerced the child into producing and sending him sexually explicit content. Caulk falsely told the child that he was fifteen years old and instructed her in a video transmission over Instagram to take off her clothes and engage in specific sexual acts. When the child refused to engage in the sexual acts, Caulk threatened to post a screenshot of the child naked online to others.
The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Jeannette Graviss is prosecuting the case.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and CEOS, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to better locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, visit www.justice.gov/psc.
Waianae Man Charged with Threatening to Kill Federal Officer and His Family During Execution of Warrant for Drugs and GunsRead the Press Release
HONOLULU – United States Attorney Ken Sorenson announced that Nehemiah Kealoha, 40, of Waianae, Oahu, was indicted on January 22, 2026, for threatening to assault and murder a federal law enforcement officer. The indictment was unsealed on January 30.
According to information provided to the Court, Kealoha approached a Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) Task Force Officer who had assisted in executing a federal search warrant at the Waianae residence of an individual who had been placed under arrest for drug and firearms offenses. As the HSI Task Force Officer was preparing to depart the residence and transport the arrested individual, Kealoha pointed at the officer and stated, “I’m going to kill you! I’m going to find you all and kill you and your family! You f****** haole, I’m going to kill you, remember this face. I’m going to find you and your family and kill you, remember this face, it’s the last face you going to see! You think I’m playing!?”
If convicted, Kealoha faces up to ten years in prison and fine of up to $250,000, plus a term of supervised release.
The charge in the indictment is merely an accusation, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law. In the case of conviction, any sentence would be imposed by a United States District Judge based on the statutory sentencing factors and the advisory United States Sentencing Guidelines.
FBI is investigating the case.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Tom Muehleck is prosecuting the case.
Maui Man Pleads Guilty to Wire Fraud and Making a False Statement for Using a False Merchant Marine CredentialRead the Press Release
HONOLULU – United States Attorney Ken Sorenson announced that Jeffrey Worthen, 61, of Lahaina, Maui, pled guilty today in federal court to wire fraud and making a false statement to the U.S. Coast Guard. Sentencing is set for June 15, 2026.
According to court records, beginning as early as 2012, Worthen began to falsely represent to employers that he held a valid Merchant Mariner Credential (“MMC”), issued by the United States Coast Guard, in order to work on commercial vessels. In 2021, Worthen provided the false MMC to his employer, for whom he worked operating a small passenger vessel to transport individuals to snorkeling excursions near Lanai, Hawaii.
On June 14, 2022, while on a snorkeling expedition, Worthen operated a passenger vessel that struck a rock, ejecting five passengers overboard and injuring multiple passengers. When later questioned by the Coast Guard about the incident, Worthen falsely stated that he had a valid MMC.
Worthen faces a maximum term of imprisonment of 20 years, a fine of up to $250,000, and a period of supervised release of up to three years for wire fraud, and a maximum term of imprisonment of 5 years, a fine of up to $250,000, and a period of supervised release of up to three years for making a false statement.
The Coast Guard Investigative Service investigated the case.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael F. Albanese is prosecuting the case.
Leader of Trans-Pacific Drug Trafficking Organization Sentenced to over 28 Years in Federal Prison for Drug and Firearm OffensesRead the Press Release
HONOLULU – United States Attorney Ken Sorenson announced that Leonard Gutierrez, 65, of Whittier, California, was sentenced yesterday in federal court by Senior United States District Judge Leslie E. Kobayashi to 340 months in prison followed by 5 years of supervised release after pleading guilty to conspiring to distribute and possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine, fentanyl, and carfentanil, nine counts of distribution of 500 grams or more of methamphetamine, and possession of firearms in furtherance of drug trafficking. Gutierrez has been detained since his initial arrest in this case on April 9, 2024.
Judge Kobayashi found that Gutierrez was one of the leaders of the organization, and responsible for bringing more than 26 kilograms of methamphetamine, 1 kilogram of fentanyl, and over 4 kilograms of carfentanil into the Hawaiian Islands, using a variety of methods, and collecting thousands of dollars in illegal drug proceeds.
Carfentanil is a fentanyl analogue and is used as a tranquilizing agent for elephants and other large mammals. Carfentanil is approximately 100 times more potent than fentanyl, which can be lethal at the 2-milligram range, depending on route of administration and other factors.
Gutierrez is one of eleven defendants charged in three separate indictments for crimes related to the operation of a trans-Pacific drug trafficking network, nine of whom have pled guilty with the remaining awaiting trial. The investigation yielded seizures of more than 150 pounds of methamphetamine, several kilograms of fentanyl and carfentanil, eight firearms, ammunition, and over $150,000 in cash.
Gutierrez is the sixth defendant of eleven to be sentenced. Those charged in his and other related indictments have been sentenced as follows:
- On April 30, 2025, Shawn Pauahi Santana was sentenced to 240 months’ imprisonment and 5 years’ supervised release after pleading guilty to conspiring to distribute and possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine and to distributing methamphetamine.
- On December 10, 2025, Faith Michelle Nelson was sentenced to 151 months’ imprisonment and 5 years’ supervised release after pleading guilty to possessing with intent to distribute methamphetamine.
- On December 16, 2025, Francis Anthony Abergas, Jr. was sentenced to 210 months’ imprisonment and 5 years’ supervised release after pleading guilty to possessing with intent to distribute methamphetamine and possessing a firearm and ammunition after having been previously convicted of a felony.
- On January 8, 2026, Trish Leila Henderson was sentenced to 36 months’ imprisonment and 5 years’ supervised release after pleading guilty to possessing with intent to distribute methamphetamine.
- On January 12, 2026, Travis Kalani Hong-Ah Nee was sentenced to 78 months’ imprisonment and 5 years’ supervised release after pleading guilty to conspiring to distribute and possess with intent to distribute carfentanil and possessing with intent to distribute carfentanil and possessing ammunition after having been previously convicted of a felony.
This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, with assistance from the Honolulu, Kauai, and Maui Police Departments, the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, the Drug Enforcement Administration, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Margaret C. Nammar is prosecuting the case.
This prosecution is part of the Homeland Security Task Force (HSTF) initiative established by Executive Order 14159, Protecting the American People Against Invasion. The HSTF is a whole-of-government partnership dedicated to eliminating criminal cartels, foreign gangs, transnational criminal organizations, and human smuggling and trafficking rings operating in the United States and abroad. Through historic interagency collaboration, the HSTF directs the full might of United States law enforcement towards identifying, investigating, and prosecuting the full spectrum of crimes committed by these organizations, which have long fueled violence and instability within our borders. In performing this work, the HSTF places special emphasis on investigating and prosecuting those engaged in child trafficking or other crimes involving children. The HSTF further utilizes all available tools to prosecute and remove the most violent criminal aliens from the United States. HSTF Hawaii is comprised of agents and officers from ICE-HSI, FBI, ATF, CBP, CGIS, DCIS, DEA, DSS, IRS-CI, NCIS, USMS, USPIS and HHIDTA, and the prosecution is being led by the Office of the United States Attorney for the District of Hawaii.
Hawaii Woman Sentenced to 27 Months in Tax Refund Fraud SchemeRead the Press Release
HONOLULU – United States Attorney Ken Sorenson announced that Brigida Chock, 65, of Ewa Beach, a Filipino national and Hawaii resident, was sentenced today in federal court by Senior United States District Judge J. Michael Seabright to 27 months in prison to be followed by 3 years of supervised release for conspiring to defraud the IRS by fraudulently obtaining a tax refund and then thwarting efforts to recoup it. Chock was also ordered to pay $39,791.76 in restitution. Chock pled guilty pursuant to a plea agreement on March 16, 2023.
According to court documents and statements made in court, Chock filed an amended 2014 tax return with a false Form 1099-MISC attached, claiming false income and withholding amounts. The fraudulent tax return caused the Treasury to issue a refund that Chock was not entitled to receive. In addition, Chock took repeated action to thwart the IRS from recovering the fraudulently obtained refund. For example, to conceal the funds from the IRS, Chock helped to create a nominee trust and opened bank accounts to facilitate the transfer of the fraudulently obtained criminal proceeds. She also mailed false and frivolous correspondence to the IRS to impede collection efforts. In total, Chock caused a tax loss of $232,221.53.
IRS Criminal Investigation, the Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration, and FBI investigated the case.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Gregg Yates and Trial Attorney Sarah A. Kiewlicz of the Criminal Division Tax Section are prosecuting the case.
Four Individuals from Oahu Sentenced in Tax Refund Fraud SchemeRead the Press Release
HONOLULU – United States Attorney Ken Sorenson announced that four individuals from Oahu were sentenced this week in federal court by Senior United States District Judge J. Michael Seabright for their roles in a tax refund fraud scheme following their convictions by a federal jury on August 27, 2025.
Rosemarie Lastimado-Dradi, 52, formerly of Kapolei, was sentenced to 108 months in prison for conspiring to defraud the United States, aiding in the preparation or filing of false tax returns, and money laundering. Marciaminajuanequita Dumlao, 61, of Honolulu, was sentenced to 33 months in prison for conspiring to defraud the United States, money laundering, and making a false statement under oath in a bankruptcy proceeding. Finally, married couple Elvah Miranda, 64, and Daniel Miranda, 64, of Waipahu, were sentenced to 48 months and 30 months in prison, respectively. Elvah Miranda was convicted of conspiring to defraud the United States, filing a false tax return, and money laundering. Daniel Miranda was convicted of conspiring to defraud the United States and making a false statement under oath in a bankruptcy proceeding. All four defendants were also sentenced to 3 years of supervised release and ordered to pay restitution.
According to court documents and evidence presented at trial, from at least January 2015 through September 2018, the defendants conspired to defraud the Internal Revenue Service (IRS). As part of their tax refund fraud scheme, the defendants filed fraudulent individual tax returns and other tax documents that reported false withholdings from mortgage lenders and then claimed substantial refunds from the IRS. After processing the false returns, the IRS issued refunds to Dumlao and the Mirandas totaling over $1 million. The defendants created trusts, opened new bank accounts in the names of business entities and the trusts, and transferred the criminal proceeds between the accounts to conceal the funds from the IRS. Lastimado-Dradi, Dumlao, and Elvah Miranda laundered the fraudulently obtained refunds through a series of bank transactions.
The defendants also engaged in conduct to obstruct IRS efforts to recover the fraudulently obtained refund money, including sending frivolous correspondence to the IRS, filing retaliatory liens against the IRS employee assigned to recover the fraudulently obtained funds, and filing for bankruptcy. Dumlao and Daniel Miranda each filed for bankruptcy and made false statements under oath in relation to their respective bankruptcy proceedings. Lastimado-Dradi successfully promoted the tax fraud scheme to at least five participants in the District of Hawaii, which caused a total tax loss of at least $2,122,837.24. In exchange for her assistance promoting the fraud scheme and obstructing IRS collection efforts, Lastimado-Dradi received a cut of the fraud proceeds totaling approximately $998,261.
In sentencing Lastimado-Dradi to a term of imprisonment of nine years, Judge Seabright called Lastimado-Dradi the “mastermind of the scheme in Hawaii” and said that “her fingerprints are just everywhere in this scheme.”
In addition to the term of imprisonment, Judge Seabright ordered Lastimado-Dradi to pay $1,724,503.94 in restitution to the United States, Dumlao to pay $325,981.86 in restitution, and both Elvah and Daniel Miranda to jointly and severally pay $567,789.55 in restitution.
“Today’s sentences send a strong warning to those who seek to evade our nation’s tax laws – there is nowhere for you to hide,” said United States Attorney Ken Sorenson. “The United States Attorney’s Office and our law enforcement partners will relentlessly pursue and convict those who seek to steal from our country, and its honest tax paying citizens, through the operation of schemes to frustrate the lawful assessment and collection of taxes.”
“For years, Ms. Lastimado-Dradi directed her co-conspirators to conceal this theft from the public through trusts and business entities,” said Carrie Nordyke, Special Agent in Charge of IRS Criminal Investigation’s Seattle Field Office. “In the end, our agents followed the money, and this ruling has given that money back to taxpayers.”
IRS Criminal Investigation, the Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration, and FBI investigated the case.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Gregg Paris Yates and Trial Attorney Sarah A. Kiewlicz of the Criminal Division Tax Section are prosecuting the case.
Japanese National Pleads Guilty to Conspiring to Export Firearm Components and Tactical Accessories to JapanRead the Press Release
HONOLULU – United States Attorney Ken Sorenson announced that Shota Yamamoto, 29, of Tokyo, Japan, pled guilty today in federal court to conspiring to violate the Export Control Reform Act. Sentencing is set for June 1, 2026, before United States District Judge Micah W.J. Smith.
According to court records, from approximately March 2024 through July 2025, Yamamoto conspired with another person to export firearm components and tactical accessories from the United States to Japan without the required licenses. Yamamoto intended to use those items to retrofit airsoft equipment for sale to airsoft enthusiasts in Japan seeking highly realistic equipment. Airsoft is a recreational activity in which participants use replica firearms to engage in simulated combat scenarios using non-metallic pellets.
Yamamoto used an address in Hawaii to receive shipments from U.S. firearms components and accessories dealers, and then arranged for their export to Japan, either by carrying them in checked luggage or by shipping them through a commercial shipping company. Yamamoto admitted that he exported or attempted to export over 900 firearms components and accessories, including AR-15 lower receiver parts kits, upper receivers, magazines, and similar components, each of which required a license to export that Yamamoto did not have.
Yamamoto faces a maximum term of imprisonment of 20 years, a fine of up to $1,000,000, and a period of supervised release of up to three years.
Homeland Security Investigations and the U.S. Department of Commerce – Bureau of Industry and Security investigated the case.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael F. Albanese is prosecuting the case.
Big Island Man Pleads Guilty to Methamphetamine Trafficking and Firearm ChargesRead the Press Release
HONOLULU – United States Attorney Ken Sorenson announced that Eddie P. Poai, 50, of Hilo, Hawaii, pled guilty yesterday in federal court to possessing with intent to distribute methamphetamine and possessing firearms in furtherance of drug-trafficking crimes. Paoi pled guilty the day before he was set to begin his federal jury trial. Sentencing is set for April 20, 2026, before United States District Judge Shanlyn A. S. Park.
Poai, who has prior felony convictions, was charged in connection with three incidents on Hawaii Island stretching from February 2021 to October 2022, according to court records. On February 11, 2021, Poai possessed over 90 grams of methamphetamine and a loaded Hi-Point .45 caliber pistol with an extended magazine. Officers with the Hawaii Police Department (“Hawaii PD”) found the methamphetamine and loaded pistol in Poai’s truck after he departed the scene of a traffic stop. On June 9, 2022, Hawaii PD Officers searched for Poai on a property in the Maku’u area, after seeing him flee from that property during prior attempted contacts. Officers found over 600 grams of methamphetamine on the property, along with fentanyl, heroin, cocaine, several thousand dollars, and numerous weapons, including a loaded Springfield .45 caliber pistol and an AR-15-style rifle. Finally, on October 25, 2022, Hawaii PD Officers searched for Poai on a property near Hawaiian Acres. Officers chased Poai on foot, ultimately arresting him and finding a loaded 9mm Taurus pistol and more than 11 grams of methamphetamine in Poai’s backpack. Poai, also had several thousand dollars in his pocket.
Poai faces a maximum term of imprisonment of life—with a combined mandatory minimum term of imprisonment of 20 years—as well as a term of supervised release of up to life, and a fine of up to $10,000,000.
Homeland Security Investigations, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, and the Hawaii Police Department investigated the case.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Jeannette Graviss and Jonathan Slack are prosecuting the case.
This case is part of Operation Take Back America a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime.
Canadian Man Charged with Wire Fraud After Falsely Posing as a Commercial Airline PilotRead the Press Release
HONOLULU – United States Attorney Ken Sorenson announced that Dallas Pokornik, 33, of Toronto, Canada, was indicted on October 2, 2025, for wire fraud. Pokornik was arrested in Panama and extradited to the United States.
According to court records, over the course of four years, Pokornik falsely claimed he was an airline pilot and presented a fictitious employee identification card to obtain hundreds of flights at no cost on three different airlines. During the fraudulent scheme, Pokornik requested a jump seat in the cockpit of the aircraft, even though Pokornik was not a pilot and did not have an airman’s certificate.
If convicted, Pokornik faces up to 20 years in prison, a fine of up to $250,000, plus a term of supervised release.
The charges in the indictment are merely accusations, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law. In the case of conviction, any sentence would be imposed by a United States District Judge based on the statutory sentencing factors and the advisory United States Sentencing Guidelines.
The case is being investigated by Homeland Security Investigations, with assistance from the United States Marshals Service. Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael Nammar is prosecuting the case.
Oahu Man Sentenced to 6.5 Years in Prison for Trafficking Carfentanil and Possession of AmmunitionRead the Press Release
HONOLULU – United States Attorney Ken Sorenson announced that Travis Kalani Hong-Ah Nee, 36, of Oahu, was sentenced on January 12 in federal court by Senior United States District Judge J. Michael Seabright to a total of 78 months in federal prison followed by 5 years of supervised release after pleading guilty to conspiring to distribute and possess with intent to distribute carfentanil, possessing with intent to distribute carfentanil, and possessing ammunition after having been previously convicted of a felony. Hong-Ah Nee has been detained since his initial arrest in this case on November 17, 2023.
According to court records, on November 17, 2023, Hong-Ah Nee was pulled over by a Honolulu Police Officer and then fled at a high rate of speed, later collided with an unmarked police car and left the scene, and subsequently led officers on a foot pursuit. When he was apprehended by law enforcement, Hong-Ah Nee was found to be in possession of carfentanil as well as a loaded ghost gun, also known as a privately made firearm. Hong-Ah Nee later admitted he was part of a conspiracy that was acquiring controlled substances through the U.S. mail and was engaged in the distribution of carfentanil on Oahu. At sentencing, Hong-Ah Nee was held responsible for over 50 grams of carfentanil.
Carfentanil is a fentanyl analogue that is used as a tranquilizing agent for elephants and other large mammals. The lethal dose range for carfentantil in humans is unknown; however, carfentanil is approximately 100 times more potent than fentanyl, which can be lethal at the 2-milligram range, depending on route of administration and other factors.
Hong-Ah Nee is one of eleven defendants charged in three separate indictments for crimes related to the operation of a trans-Pacific drug trafficking network, nine of whom have pled guilty with the remaining awaiting trial. The overall investigation yielded seizures of more than 150 pounds of methamphetamine, several kilograms of fentanyl and carfentanil, eight firearms, ammunition, and over $150,000 in cash.
Hong-Ah Nee was charged in a standalone superseding indictment and is the fifth defendant of eleven to be sentenced. Those charged in other related indictments have been sentenced as follows:
- On April 30, 2025, Shawn Pauahi Santana was sentenced to 240 months’ imprisonment and 5 years’ supervised release after pleading guilty to conspiring to distribute and possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine and to distributing methamphetamine.
- On December 10, 2025, Faith Michelle Nelson was sentenced to 151 months’ imprisonment and 5 years’ supervised release after pleading guilty to possessing with intent to distribute methamphetamine.
- On December 16, 2025, Francis Anthony Abergas, Jr. was sentenced to 210 months’ imprisonment and 5 years’ supervised release after pleading guilty to possessing with intent to distribute methamphetamine and possessing a firearm and ammunition after having been previously convicted of a felony.
- On January 8, 2026, Trish Leila Henderson was sentenced to 36 months’ imprisonment and 5 years’ supervised release after pleading guilty to possessing with intent to distribute methamphetamine.
This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, with assistance from the Honolulu, Kauai, and Maui Police Departments, the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, the Drug Enforcement Administration, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Margaret C. Nammar is prosecuting the case.
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Big Island Man Sentenced to 4 Months and Ordered to Pay over Half a Million Dollars in Restitution for Filing False Tax ReturnRead the Press Release
HONOLULU – United States Attorney Ken Sorenson announced that Douglas Mycko, 61, of Kurtistown, Hawaii, was sentenced yesterday in federal court by Senior United States District J. Michael Seabright to four months in federal prison followed by one year of supervised release for making and subscribing a false tax return. Mycko was also ordered to pay restitution totaling $561,587.91. He pled guilty pursuant to a plea agreement in August 2025.
As part of his guilty plea, Mycko admitted to filing false tax returns for calendar years 2016 through 2020 in which he underreported his business income, resulting in losses to the federal government in the amount of $244,121.00 and to the State of Hawaii in the amount of $280,308.91. Mycko further admitted that despite working and continuing to operate his business from 2020 through 2023, he applied for and obtained unemployment benefits through the Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (“PUA”) program by making false and fraudulent representations regarding his unemployment status and absence of income. As a result of this fraudulent conduct, Mycko received $37,158.00 in PUA funds that he was not entitled to receive.
On May 17, 2021, the Attorney General established the COVID-19 Fraud Enforcement Task Force to marshal the resources of the Department of Justice in partnership with agencies across government to enhance efforts to combat and prevent pandemic-related fraud. The Task Force bolsters efforts to investigate and prosecute the most culpable domestic and international criminal actors and assists agencies tasked with administering relief programs to prevent fraud by, among other methods, augmenting and incorporating existing coordination mechanisms, identifying resources and techniques to uncover fraudulent actors and their schemes, and sharing and harnessing information and insights gained from prior enforcement efforts. For more information on the Department’s response to the pandemic, please visit https://www.justice.gov/coronavirus.
Anyone with information about allegations of attempted fraud involving COVID-19 can report it by calling the Department of Justice’s National Center for Disaster Fraud (NCDF) at 866-720-5721 or online at www.justice.gov/DisasterComplaintForm.
IRS Criminal Investigation investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Aislinn Affinito prosecuted the case.
Kauai Woman Sentenced to 36 Months for Drug TraffickingRead the Press Release
HONOLULU – United States Attorney Ken Sorenson announced that Trish Leila Henderson, 46, of Kauai, was sentenced yesterday in federal court by Senior United States District Judge Leslie E. Kobayashi to 36 months in federal prison followed by 5 years of supervised release after pleading guilty to possessing with intent to distribute methamphetamine.
According to court records, Henderson was part of a conspiracy that was acquiring controlled substances through the U.S. mail and was engaged in the distribution of methamphetamine on Kauai. In total, Henderson was held responsible for over 22 pounds of methamphetamine.
Henderson is one of eleven defendants charged in three separate indictments for crimes related to the operation of a trans-Pacific drug trafficking network, nine of whom have pled guilty with the remaining awaiting trial. The overall investigation yielded seizures of more than 150 pounds of methamphetamine, several kilograms of fentanyl and carfentanil, eight firearms, ammunition, and over $150,000 in cash.
At sentencing, Judge Kobayashi commented that Henderson had shown strong mitigating circumstances, including her drug treatment and her efforts to rebuild her community following the harm she had caused in distributing methamphetamine on Kauai.
Henderson is the third defendant in a nine-defendant indictment to be sentenced. Her coconspirators, including those charged in other indictments, have been sentenced as follows:
- On April 30, 2025, in one of the related cases charged by separate indictment, Shawn Pauahi Santana was sentenced to 240 months’ imprisonment and 5 years’ supervised release after pleading guilty to conspiring to distribute and possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine and to distributing methamphetamine.
- On December 10, 2025, Faith Michelle Nelson was sentenced to 151 months’ imprisonment and 5 years’ supervised release after pleading guilty to possessing with intent to distribute methamphetamine.
- On December 16, 2025, Francis Anthony Abergas, Jr., was sentenced to 210 months’ imprisonment and 5 years’ supervised release after pleading guilty to possessing with intent to distribute methamphetamine and possessing a firearm and ammunition after having been previously convicted of a felony.
This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, with assistance from the Kauai, Maui, and Honolulu Police Departments, the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, the Drug Enforcement Administration, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Margaret C. Nammar is prosecuting the case.
Waipahu Man Sentenced to 30 Years in Federal Prison for Paying Adults to Sexually Abuse Children During Livestreamed Internet VideosRead the Press Release
HONOLULU – United States Attorney Ken Sorenson announced that Robert Silva, 52, of Waipahu, Hawaii, was sentenced on Tuesday to 30 years in federal prison (the statutory maximum) followed by a 20-year term of supervised release for producing child pornography. He must also now register as a sex offender. Silva pled guilty pursuant to a plea agreement in September 2025.
As part of his guilty plea, Silva admitted that on multiple occasions in 2018 and 2019, he paid adults in the Philippines to sexually abuse children there during live internet video streams. While in Hawaii, Silva created recordings of these video streams, which show him directing the adults to abuse the children, ranging from ages three to thirteen, in real time. Silva would “tip” the adults, sometimes as little as fifty cents, to engage in specific sex acts with the children.
At sentencing, Senior U.S. District Judge Helen Gillmor highlighted the egregious nature of the defendant’s conduct, which involved the sexual exploitation of young children from economically marginalized communities abroad. Judge Gillmor expressed concern that Silva continued to minimize the severity of his role in the offense after he argued he did not himself commit a “hands on” offense.
This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Barbara Eucker and Rebecca A. Perlmutter prosecuted the case.
Big Island Felon Pleads Guilty to Illegally Possessing Firearms and AmmunitionRead the Press Release
HONOLULU – United States Attorney Ken Sorenson announced that Vernon Santiago, 45, of Mountain View, Hawaii, pled guilty yesterday in federal court to possessing firearms and ammunition as a convicted felon and an unlawful user of controlled substances. Sentencing is set for April 22, 2026 before United States District Judge Jill Otake.
According to court records, Santiago has a prior federal felony conviction from 2005 for unlawfully possessing firearms and ammunition as an unlawful user of controlled substances, for which he was sentenced to 15 months in federal prison. In January 2024, law enforcement executed a state search warrant at Santiago’s residence. After law enforcement announced their presence, Santiago jumped out of a window while carrying a backpack and fled. He then threw the backpack into bushes in an attempt to conceal it from law enforcement. The backpack contained two firearms, a stolen Colt Government Model .45 caliber pistol and a Ruger P85 9mm pistol, along with ammunition and magazines.
Santiago faces a maximum term of imprisonment of 15 years, a three-year term of supervised release, and a fine of up to $250,000.
This case was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations, with assistance from the Hawaii Police Department.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Wayne A. Myers is prosecuting the case.
This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETFs) and Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN).
Two Hilo-Area Men Arrested for Years-Long Operation to Transport and Distribute Illegal Fireworks on Big IslandRead the Press Release
HONOLULU – United States Attorney Ken Sorenson announced that Darrel Goo, 52, of Keaau, Hawaii, and Cy Tamura, 45, of Hilo, Hawaii, were arrested and charged by criminal complaint yesterday with multiple fireworks-related criminal offenses, including transporting fireworks into Hawaii; engaging in the business of transporting, distributing, and storing explosive materials; and shipping, transporting, receiving, and possessing any explosive in and affecting interstate commerce. Goo was also charged with being a felon in possession of firearms and ammunition.
According to court documents, from in or around May 2016 through August 2025, Goo and Tamura conspired to engage in the business of transporting, storing, and distributing illegal fireworks in and around the Island of Hawaii. Goo used a fictitious name and Alaska addresses to conceal his annual fireworks purchases sourced from a fireworks company on the U.S. mainland. He also paid for the fireworks in batches of money orders and cash. Tamura arranged the shipping logistics from the U.S. mainland to Hawaii by falsely claiming that the fireworks shipments contained horticultural materials.
Earlier this year, law enforcement engaged in an undercover operation to surveil Goo and Tamura’s annual fireworks order from the U.S. mainland fireworks company and their purchase of illegal “overloads” from a dealer in the Midwest. “Overloads” refer to fireworks that appear to be consumer grade but instead are packed with more explosive material. Law enforcement covertly seized approximately two shipping containers of fireworks before they were shipped to Hawaii.
Images of One of the Shipping Containers Loaded with Fireworks
In August 2025, law enforcement also executed search warrants at Goo and Tamura’s residences in and around the Hilo, Hawaii area. Investigators seized thousands of pounds of illegal fireworks stored in various locations on the properties as well as cash. At Goo’s residence, investigators seized several firearms and thousands of rounds of ammunition. According to the criminal complaint, Goo is a convicted felon and cannot possess firearms or ammunition.
Selected Images of Fireworks Seized from Goo’s Residence
“This investigation demonstrates our solemn commitment to pursue and charge those who violate our nation’s laws related to the possession, transportation, and distribution of illegal fireworks in Hawaii,” said United States Attorney Ken Sorenson. “While we are in the early stages of this particular case, and those charged are presumed innocent, it is our intent to send the clear message that the safety of our local communities remains our number one priority, and those who compromise that safety by violating federal laws related to commercial fireworks will find themselves facing justice in federal court.”
If convicted, Goo and Tamura face imprisonment of up to ten years and fines of up to $250,000 per count, plus terms of supervised release, and Goo faces an additional fifteen years of imprisonment for illegal possession of firearms and ammunition.
The charges in the criminal complaint are merely accusations, and the defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law. In the case of conviction, any sentence would be imposed by a United States District Judge based on the statutory sentencing factors and the advisory United States Sentencing Guidelines.
This case is being investigated by the Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigation, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation, with assistance from the Hawaii Attorney General’s Office, Special Investigation and Prosecution Division, and the Hawaii Department of Law Enforcement. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Rebecca A. Perlmutter.
Oahu Woman Pleads Guilty to Filing False Tax Returns and Wire FraudRead the Press Release
HONOLULU – United States Attorney Ken Sorenson announced that Heidi Cafirma, 50, of Waipahu, Hawaii, pleaded guilty today to filing false tax returns and wire fraud related to her fraudulent application for unemployment assistance due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Cafirma’s sentencing is set for April 15, 2026 before United States District Judge Shanlyn A.S. Park.
According to court documents and in-court statements, for tax years 2016 through 2020, Cafirma filed false federal tax returns with the IRS for her and her spouse that underreported their business income and total taxes owed.
In 2020, Cafirma also submitted a fraudulent application requesting Pandemic Unemployment Assistance benefits, which she was not entitled to receive. From approximately June 2020 through September 2021, Cafirma filed weekly unemployment benefit certification forms in support of her application, falsely claiming she was not working or earning any income during the certification period. As a result, Cafirma received approximately $70,500 in fraudulent benefit payments.
Cafirma faces a maximum term of imprisonment of 3 years for filing a false tax return and 20 years for wire fraud. She also faces a term of supervised release, restitution, and monetary penalties.
IRS-Criminal Investigation is investigating the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Rebecca Perlmutter and Trial Attorney Sarah A. Kiewlicz are prosecuting the case.
Justice Department Announces Results of Operation Relentless JusticeRead the Press Release
HONOLULU – The Department of Justice announced the results of Operation Relentless Justice, a coordinated enforcement effort to identify, track, and arrest child sex predators. The nationwide crackdown resulted in over 205 child victims being located and the arrests of over 293 child sexual abuse offenders. The coordinated effort was executed over the course of two weeks by all 56 FBI field offices, the Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS) in the Department’s Criminal Division, and U.S. Attorneys’ offices around the country.
“We will not allow evil criminals who prey on children to evade justice,” said Attorney General Pamela Bondi. “Our federal agents have worked tirelessly alongside our state and local partners to track down these vile predators, and now our prosecutors will ensure they receive severe punishments to match their horrific crimes.”
“Operation Relentless Justice shows no child will be forgotten and that all predators targeting the most vulnerable amongst us will be held accountable,” said FBI Director Kash Patel. “This year, the FBI has led multiple nationwide surges across the U.S. to find and arrest hundreds of child predators. We will not stop until every child can live a life free of exploitation. We will utilize the strength of all our field offices and our federal, state, and local partners to protect communities across the nation from such horrific crimes.”
“The U.S. Attorney’s Office remains dogged and unyielding in our efforts to protect Hawaii’s keiki and seek justice against those who have harmed them,” said U.S. Attorney Ken Sorenson. “Together with our partners at the FBI, we will continue to hunt down child predators and eradicate the scourge of child exploitation in our community.”
“The FBI, united with our partners, continues in the fight to protect our children – and that fight is not over,” said FBI Honolulu Special Agent in Charge David Porter. “Our ongoing collaboration across the whole of government underscores our collective commitment to aggressively pursue child predators and take them off the board.”
In the District of Hawaii, three individuals were arrested and charged with federal crimes, including:
- Rumaldo Valdez, who was charged by an information with possession of child pornography following an investigation into his participation in “Greggy’s Cult,” an online group that produced and distributed child sex abuse material and engaged in other forms of exploitation and harassment of minor an adult victims. The defendant pled guilty on October 24 and is awaiting sentencing.
- Elias David, who was charged by criminal complaint with production of child pornography, based on videos investigators uncovered of the defendant engaged in sexual conduct with a minor victim whom he coached in volleyball.
- German Zboron, who was charged by indictment with possession with intent to distribute fentanyl and cocaine following what began as an investigation into a string of sex crimes.
Those arrested are alleged to have committed various crimes, including the production, distribution, and possession of child sexual abuse material; online enticement and transportation of minors; and child sex trafficking. Some of the alleged offenders include an airman out of Dallas, TX, who was arrested with his wife for producing child sex abuse material (CSAM), as well as a Police Officer from Raleigh, NC, who distributed CSAM to an undercover officer while discussing his interest in engaging in sexual contact with children. In another case involving enticement of a minor, the Miami Field Office arrested a Guatemalan national who was previously deported in 2011, and had previous arrests for battery, disorderly conduct, resisting arrest, and carrying a concealed weapon.
As sextortion cases continue to rise, this operation highlights arrests of individuals who target vulnerable children online including the five leaders of Greggy’s Cult, as well as a Virginia man who persuaded a 14-year-old to produce CSAM. The victim attempted suicide after he allegedly told her to kill herself.
This effort follows two other successful operations, including Operation Restore Justice in May, which resulted in the rescue of 115 children and the arrests of 205 child sex abuse offenders, including 2 from the District of Hawaii, and Operation Enduring Justice in August, which resulted in the rescue of 133 children and the arrests of 234 offenders, including 1 from the District of Hawaii.
The FBI's Victim Services Division (VSD) assisted victims during this operation and provided services, to include forensic interviews, referrals for medical and mental health resources, and coordination with partners. VSD's mission is to inform, support, and assist victims in navigating the aftermath of crime and the criminal justice process with dignity and resilience.
These operations underscore the Department’s unwavering commitment to protecting children and combating child sexual exploitation. These cases were brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by U.S. attorneys’ offices and CEOS, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to better locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, visit justice.gov/psc.
The Department partners with and oversees funding grants for the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC), which receives and shares tips about possible child sexual exploitation received through its 24/7 hotline at 1-800-THE-LOST and on missingkids.org.
The Department urges the public to remain vigilant and report suspected exploitation of a child through the FBI's tipline at 1-800-CALL-FBI (225-5324), tips.fbi.gov, or by calling your local FBI field office.
An indictment, information, or complaint is merely an allegation. The defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Kauai Man Sentenced to 17.5 Years in Prison for Drug Trafficking and Possession of a Firearm and AmmunitionRead the Press Release
HONOLULU – United States Attorney Ken Sorenson announced that Francis Anthony Abergas, Jr., 52, of Kauai, was sentenced yesterday in federal court by Senior United States District Judge Leslie E. Kobayashi to a total of 210 months in federal prison followed by 5 years of supervised release after pleading guilty to possessing with intent to distribute methamphetamine and possessing a firearm and ammunition after having been previously convicted of a felony. Abergas has been detained since his initial arrest in this case on April 10, 2024.
According to court records, Abergas was part of a conspiracy that was acquiring controlled substances through the U.S. mail and was engaged in the distribution of methamphetamine on Kauai. In total, Abergas was held responsible for over 23 pounds of methamphetamine.
Abergas is one of eleven defendants charged in three separate indictments for crimes related to the operation of a trans-Pacific drug trafficking network, nine of whom have pled guilty with the remaining awaiting trial. The overall investigation yielded seizures of more than 150 pounds of methamphetamine, several kilograms of fentanyl and carfentanil, eight firearms, ammunition, and over $150,000 in cash.
Abergas is the second defendant in a nine-defendant indictment to be sentenced. On December 10, 2025, Faith Michelle Nelson was sentenced to 151 months in prison and 5 years of supervised release for possessing with intent to distribute methamphetamine. On April 30, 2025, in one of the related cases charged by separate indictment, Shawn Pauahi Santana was sentenced to 240 months in prison and 5 years of supervised release for conspiring to distribute and possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine and to distributing methamphetamine.
This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, with assistance from the Kauai, Maui, and Honolulu Police Departments, the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, the Drug Enforcement Administration, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Margaret C. Nammar is prosecuting the case.
Honolulu Woman Sentenced to 18 Months for Tax and Mail Fraud and Ordered to Pay over $1.6 Million in RestitutionRead the Press Release
HONOLULU – United States Attorney Ken Sorenson announced that Hannah Heart, 67, of Honolulu, was sentenced today in federal court by Senior United States District Judge J. Michael Seabright to 18 months in prison followed by three years of supervised release for conspiring to defraud the IRS by fraudulently obtaining a tax refund and then thwarting efforts to recoup it and for mail fraud against her mortgage lender. On May 22, 2025, Heart pled guilty to one count of attempting to defraud the IRS and one count of attempting to defraud her mortgage lender using the mails.
According to court documents and statements made in court, Heart conspired with others to file a false 2014 individual income tax return in her name. As part of the conspiracy, Heart’s co-conspirators created a fake tax form purportedly issued by a mortgage lender to Heart, which Heart attached to her return. The form falsely reported that Heart had received income from a financial institution of more than $2.4 million, from which over $1.2 million in taxes had been withheld. The inclusion of this false income and withholding information on Heart’s 2014 filed tax return resulted in the IRS issuing Heart a fraudulent refund of $471,949.23.
After filing the false tax return and submitting the fake tax form, Heart took steps to try and ensure that the IRS could not recover the fraudulently obtained refund. For example, Heart deposited the refund check into a bank account she had opened in the name of a trust and immediately transferred most of the balance to a separate bank account. She also sent numerous false, fraudulent, and frivolous letters to the IRS in response to IRS efforts to recover the fraudulently obtained tax refund. Following the receipt of her own refund, Heart assisted another co-conspirator, Sook Young Jung, in participating in the same scheme. Heart and Jung together deposited a second fraudulently obtained refund check from the IRS, payable to Jung, in the amount of $1,147,036.31. In total, Heart caused a tax loss to the IRS of $1,618,985.54.
Court documents and statements made in court also reveal that Heart attempted to defraud her mortgage lender. Heart took out a mortgage for her home but stopped making payments toward her mortgage. Heart’s mortgage lender then initiated foreclosure proceedings against her. In response, a co-conspirator of Heart’s sent the lender a false and fictitious document purporting to be a check for the full outstanding amount of Heart’s mortgage. The lender initially accepted the check but later rejected it as fraudulent. Afterward, Heart sent mail to the lender demanding that it accept the fraudulent check as full payment of her remaining balance. In pleading guilty, Heart admitted that she intended to defraud the mortgage lender of $2,066,522.22.
In addition to the term of imprisonment, Judge Seabright ordered $1,618,985.54 in restitution. Judge Seabright noted that a term of incarceration was called for because deterrence is particularly important in tax cases.
IRS Criminal Investigation, the Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration, and FBI investigated the case.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Gregg Paris Yates of the District of Hawaii and Trial Attorneys Sarah Kiewlicz and Megan Jones of the Criminal Division, Tax Section prosecuted the case.
Kauai Woman Sentenced to over 12 Years’ Imprisonment for Drug TraffickingRead the Press Release
HONOLULU – United States Attorney Ken Sorenson announced that Faith Michelle Nelson, 52, of Kauai, was sentenced yesterday in federal court by Senior United States District Judge Leslie E. Kobayashi to 151 months’ imprisonment followed by 5 years’ supervised release after pleading guilty to possessing with intent to distribute methamphetamine. Nelson has been detained since her initial arrest in this case on April 10, 2024.
According to court records, Nelson was part of a conspiracy that was acquiring controlled substances through the U.S. mail and was engaged in the distribution of methamphetamine on Kauai. In total, Nelson was held responsible for over 18 pounds of methamphetamine.
Nelson is one of eleven defendants charged in three separate indictments for crimes related to the operation of a trans-Pacific drug trafficking network, nine of whom have pled guilty with the remaining awaiting trial. Nelson is the first defendant in a nine-defendant indictment to be sentenced. The overall investigation yielded seizures of more than 150 pounds of methamphetamine, several kilograms of fentanyl and carfentanil, eight firearms, ammunition, and over $150,000 in cash.
On April 30, 2025, in one of the related cases charged by separate indictment, Shawn Pauahi Santana was sentenced to 240 months’ imprisonment and 5 years’ supervised release after pleading guilty to conspiring to distribute and possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine and to distributing methamphetamine.
“Yesterday’s sentence represents a significant step in bringing to justice the trans-Pacific criminal enterprise that Nelson and her coconspirators used to flood communities in Hawaii, Alaska, and beyond with deadly drugs,” said U.S. Attorney Ken Sorenson. “We credit our tremendous law enforcement partners with helping to expose and dismantle this dangerous drug operation.”
“This sentencing and related investigation mark a crucial moment in the ongoing fight to protect our citizens from the deadly drugs that plague our island communities,” said FBI Honolulu Special Agent in Charge David Porter. “We are grateful for the tremendous partnerships across all levels of law enforcement in this joint effort, and we will continue to use every available resource to protect our communities and bring these trans-Pacific criminal enterprises to justice.”
“This individual has an extensive history of harming our community and putting countless families at risk,” said Chief Kalani Ke, Kaua‘i Police Department. “Today’s sentence holds her accountable for her actions and demonstrates that such destructive behavior will not be tolerated. We commend our federal partners for helping end this operation, and we remain committed to keeping Kaua‘i safe from those who bring dangerous drugs into our communities.”
This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, with assistance from the Kauai, Maui, and Honolulu Police Departments, the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, the Drug Enforcement Administration, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Margaret C. Nammar is prosecuting the case.
California Man Sentenced to 6 Years for Drug TraffickingRead the Press Release
HONOLULU – United States Attorney Ken Sorenson announced that Lynden David Lightburn, 52, of Los Angeles, California was sentenced today by United States District Judge Jill A. Otake to 72 months in federal prison for conspiring to distribute fentanyl, heroin, and methamphetamine, followed by 5 years of supervised release.
According to court records, from September 2020 to June 30, 2021, Lightburn, a/k/a “Soulja,” supplied more than 6.6 kilograms of fentanyl, 6.4 kilograms of heroin, and 2.8 kilograms of methamphetamine to a Honolulu drug trafficking organization (DTO) co-led by Gabriel Antone Eberhardt, 43, of Detroit, Michigan, and Jason Darnell Smith, 42, of Detroit, Michigan. The DTO obtained drugs from Lightburn in Los Angeles, as well as Robert Adams, 38, of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Lightburn and Adams mailed the drugs to Honolulu. The DTO distributed fentanyl—a potent synthetic opioid 50 times stronger than heroin—in mixtures with heroin and in counterfeit oxycodone tablets.
During an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), the United States Postal Inspection Service (USPIS), and the Honolulu Police Department (HPD), agents made dozens of controlled purchases of fentanyl, heroin, and methamphetamine from the conspirators, and executed 15 search warrants on residences, rental storage units, and parcels. As a result of the controlled purchases and warrants, law enforcement agents seized more than 15 kilograms of fentanyl, heroin, and methamphetamine, seven firearms, including assault rifles and semi-automatic pistols, hundreds of rounds of ammunition, a vehicle, and more than $250,000 in cash drug proceeds.
“Today’s sentence brings to a close years of collaboration between the U.S. Attorney’s Office and our partners across multiple federal and local law enforcement agencies, as we worked tirelessly to bring down this large-scale, prolific, and dangerous drug trafficking operation,” said U.S. Attorney Ken Sorenson. “The aggressive pursuit and dismantling of drug enterprises that pump illicit drugs into Hawaii remains one of our top priorities. We will continue to devote our time, effort, and resources to protecting our community from those who seek to poison it with illegal narcotics, along with the violence and criminal use of firearms that drug trafficking spawns.”
“This sentencing, and the overall resolution of the related investigation, represents years of collaboration between multiple law enforcement agencies to dismantle one of Hawaii’s most dangerous drug trafficking organizations,” said FBI Honolulu Special Agent in Charge David Porter. “The FBI—in coordination with our partners—will continue to use every available resource to protect our communities by taking these violent offenders off the board and bringing them to justice.”
“Today’s sentencing closes the loop on a network of incessant drug traffickers, whose crimes threatened the safety and wellbeing of the island community,” said Anthony Chrysanthis, Deputy Special Agent in Charge for the DEA Los Angeles Field Division, which oversees Honolulu. “This case reflects DEA’s continued commitment to holding drug traffickers accountable and stemming the flow of fentanyl, methamphetamine, and other dangerous drugs.”
“This case shows the power of collaboration,” said ATF Seattle Field Division Acting Special Agent in Charge Eric Jackson. “When federal, state, and local law enforcement work together, our resources are unlimited and our efforts unmatched. It is through these partnerships that we continue to hold accountable those who seek to profit from dealing illegal and dangerous drugs in our communities.”
“The trafficking of dangerous drugs like fentanyl and methamphetamine through the U.S. Mail puts Postal Service employees and our communities at risk. Postal Inspectors will aggressively pursue anyone who uses the mail to transport and distribute deadly drugs,” said Stephen Sherwood, Postal Inspector in Charge of the United States Postal Inspection Service’s San Francisco Division. “We thank our federal and local partners for working with us to combat these crimes and make our communities safer.”
In addition to Lightburn, who is the last of his coconspirators to be sentenced, the following defendants were prosecuted in this and related cases in the District of Hawaii:
- Eberhardt, a/k/a “Stacks,” pled guilty to conspiracy and possession of a firearm in connection with a drug trafficking crime, and was sentenced on October 21, 2024, to 30 years in federal prison and five years of supervised release;
- Smith, a/k/a “Famous,” a/k/a “Sweets,” pled guilty to conspiracy, and was sentenced on February 4, 2024, to 14 years in federal prison and five years of supervised release;
- Martzes Junior, a/k/a “Green,” 44, of Southfield, Michigan, pled guilty to conspiracy and possession of a firearm in connection with a drug trafficking crime, and was sentenced on December 10, 2024, to 12 years in federal prison and five years of supervised release;
- Adams, a/k/a “Tre,” a/k/a “Tre Block,” a/k/a “Block,” a/k/a “T-Block,” a/k/a “Ray Smith,” pled guilty to conspiracy, and was sentenced on July 11, 2025, to 10 years in federal prison and five years of supervised release;
- Jared Northern, a/k/a “White Boy Jay,” a/k/a “Gage,” 26, of Honolulu, pled guilty to conspiracy and two counts of distribution of controlled substances, and on May 15, 2024, was sentenced to 10 years in federal prison and five years of supervised release;
- Jennifer Ashcraft, a/k/a “Jessie,” a/k/a “Jess,” 34, of Honolulu, pled guilty to conspiracy, and was sentenced on January 28, 2025, to 37 months in federal prison and five years of supervised release;
- Zakiyyah Mareus, a/k/a “Kai,” 28, of Miami Gardens, Florida, pled guilty to conspiracy, and on August 8, 2024, was sentenced to 37 months in federal prison and three years of supervised release;
- Isaiah Marks, a/k/a “Seh,” 26, of Honolulu, pled guilty to conspiracy and two counts of distribution of controlled substances, and on January 18, 2023, was sentenced to 24 months in federal prison and four years of supervised release;
- Tishanah Iwalani Kaio-Barrozo, 34, of Honolulu, pled guilty to distribution of controlled substances, and on June 7, 2022, was sentenced to 9 months in federal prison and three years of supervised release;
- Michael Garrett, a/k/a “Sideburns,” a/k/a “Burns,” 42, of Romulus, Michigan, pled guilty to conspiracy, and on March 28, 2024, was sentenced to 3 months in federal prison and five years of supervised release;
This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) and Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN).
The case was investigated by the FBI, DEA, ATF, USPIS, and HPD. Assistant U.S. Attorney Craig S. Nolan is prosecuting the case.
Convicted Felon Sentenced to 40 Months for Possessing Explosive PowderRead the Press Release
HONOLULU – United States Attorney Ken Sorenson announced that Jess Kiesel Lee, 43, of Kula, Maui, was sentenced last week by U.S. District Judge Jill A. Otake to 40 months of imprisonment followed by 3 years of supervised release for possessing, as a convicted felon, explosive powder.
According to court records, Lee set off an improvised explosive device (“IED”)—a homemade firework—near Kaamana Street in Kula, on or before August 7, 2024. Officers with the Maui Police Department (“MPD”) later encountered multiple IEDs near that location. The Federal Bureau of Investigation (“FBI”) seized those IEDs and found Lee’s fingerprint on one device. The FBI determined that at least one of the devices contained a mixture of compounds consistent with the remnants of explosive firework powder. A month later, the FBI searched Lee’s residence in Kula and located user amounts of methamphetamine, firearms, ammunition, and IEDs containing flash powder, a common explosive firework powder. Lee admitted to knowingly possessing that explosive powder after he sustained multiple felony convictions in the State of Hawaii.
Judge Otake sentenced Lee to 40 months of imprisonment, followed by 3 years of supervised release, observing that fireworks are a danger to both individual operators and the general public. Judge Otake specifically noted that Lee’s functioning his homemade firework near a wooded area on Kaamana Street placed the surrounding community in danger considering Maui’s susceptibility to wildfires.
“The protection and safety of our community is our highest priority,” said U.S. Attorney Ken Sorenson. “We have witnessed the serious harm and life-threatening danger presented by the possession and use of illegal explosives in our local communities, including illegal fireworks. We pledge to aggressively investigate, charge, and convict those who unlawfully construct, possess, or detonate explosives and explosive materials. We credit our steadfast partners at the FBI for their outstanding investigative efforts in this case.”
“Homemade explosive devices present a significant danger to our island communities,” said FBI Honolulu Special Agent in Charge David Porter. “The FBI—in coordination with our law enforcement partners—is committed to using every tool available to hold criminals accountable when they threaten public safety.”
Federal law prohibits convicted felons from possessing any “explosive” shipped or transported in interstate or foreign commerce. 18 U.S.C. § 842(i)(1). “Explosives” include gunpowder, dynamite, blasting agents, fuzes (other than electric circuit breakers), detonators, smokeless powders, flash powder, and bulk salutes. 18 U.S.C. § 844(j); 27 C.F.R. § 555.202.
This case was investigated by MPD and FBI, with substantial assistance from the FBI’s Laboratory Division and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Jonathan D. Slack and Wayne A. Myers prosecuted the case.
Waimanalo Man Charged with Producing Child Pornography of His Minor Volleyball StudentRead the Press Release
HONOLULU – United States Attorney Ken Sorenson announced that Elias David, 37, of Waimanalo, Hawaii, was arrested and charged by criminal complaint on December 3, 2025 with producing child pornography.
According to court documents, beginning in approximately February 2023, David began a sexual relationship with a minor female whom he had coached in volleyball. Investigators seized from the minor victim’s phone videos depicting the minor victim and David engaged in sexual conduct. In the videos, David is holding or positioning the phone just prior to, or right after, the sexual conduct.
If convicted of the charged offense, David faces a mandatory minimum sentence of 15 years’ imprisonment and a maximum of 30 years’ imprisonment, along with potential fines and supervision after release from imprisonment.
The charge in the criminal complaint is merely an accusation, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law. In the case of conviction, any sentence would be imposed by a United States District Judge based on the statutory sentencing factors and the advisory United States Sentencing Guidelines.
This case is being investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation with assistance from the Honolulu Police Department. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael F. Albanese.
Honolulu Man Who Trafficked Illegally-Caught Hawaiian Tropical Fish Sentenced to Probation and Home DetentionRead the Press Release
HONOLULU – United States Attorney Ken Sorenson announced that Shane Takasane, 43, of Honolulu, Hawaii, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Shanlyn A. S. Park to three years of probation for selling illegally-caught Hawaiian yellow tang and kole tang, in violation of the Lacey Act. Takasane pled guilty to those charges on August 6, 2025. Takasane’s conditions of probation included 45 days of home confinement, 50 hours of community service to an organization focused on improving the marine environment, and the payment of $10,100 in restitution to the State of Hawaii Department of Land and Natural Resources, Division of Aquatic Resources.
As part of his guilty plea, Takasane admitted that in June through August 2023, Takasane arranged with divers to obtain Hawaiian yellow tang and kole tang, which the defendant sold to a buyer on the U.S. Mainland without the required commercial fish license. Takasane also admitted as part of his plea agreement that on multiple occasions between July 2023 and June 2024, he imported snakehead fish, which are considered injurious to domestic wildlife, and Asian arowanas, which are protected by the Endangered Species Act, in violation of federal law.
“The protection of Hawaii’s wildlife is a critical component in preserving the unique and beautiful marine environment that draws so many to our islands,” said U.S. Attorney Ken Sorenson. “We will continue to work with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, FBI, and other agencies to aggressively investigate, arrest, and convict those who seek to profit by violating the laws and regulations that safeguard Hawaii’s precious ocean wildlife.”
“The illegal trade of native Hawaiian marine species threatens fragile coral reef ecosystems, while the smuggling of injurious species poses serious risks to our nation’s wildlife and habitats,” said Douglas Ault, Assistant Director of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Office of Law Enforcement. “We thank the United States Attorney’s Office and the FBI for their strong partnership in enforcing the laws that protect our nation’s most vulnerable wildlife and ecosystems.”
The investigation was conducted by the United States Fish and Wildlife Service with assistance from the Federal Bureau of Investigation.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael F. Albanese prosecuted the case.
Convicted Felon Arrested and Charged After Stealing Multiple Firearms from a Storage LockerRead the Press Release
HONOLULU – Acting United States Attorney Ken Sorenson announced today that Sidney Campbell, 45, of Honolulu, Hawaii, was charged yesterday by criminal complaint with illegally possessing firearms as a convicted felon.
According to the criminal complaint, Campbell possessed a loaded firearm and ammunition on May 15, 2025, and transferred them to another person that same day. According to the complaint, Campbell was previously convicted of burglary in the first degree in 2001 and has six prior felony convictions in the State of Hawaii, and therefore was forbidden by federal law from possessing firearms.
The complaint also alleges that on October 25, 2025, Campbell broke into a storage locker in Pearl City and stole firearms and ammunition. After the break-in, on October 27, 2025, investigators with the Federal Bureau of Investigation identified Campbell on surveillance video breaking into the storage locker. Upon arrest, Campbell admitted to the break-in and provided information that led FBI to recover three pistols, six rifles, and various gun parts including barrels, magazines, firing bolts, and two suppressors.
If convicted of the charged offense, Campbell faces up to fifteen years in prison and a fine of up to $250,000.
The charge in the criminal complaint is merely an accusation, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law. In the case of conviction, any sentence would be imposed by a United States District Judge based on the statutory sentencing factors and the advisory United States Sentencing Guidelines.
This case is being investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Honolulu Police Department, with the assistance from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.
This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETFs) and Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN).
Armed Felon Arrested After Shooting Federal Officer During Execution of Search Warrant and Sixteen-Hour Armed StandoffRead the Press Release
HONOLULU – Acting United States Attorney Ken Sorenson announced that Robert Morris, 49, of Honolulu, Hawaii, was arrested and charged by criminal complaint yesterday with assaulting a federal officer with a deadly or dangerous weapon, using a firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence, and possessing a firearm and ammunition as a convicted felon.
According to court documents, on October 22, 2025, federal agents arrested Morris at his residence in Honolulu, Hawaii. The arrest followed a 16-hour armed standoff that began the morning of October 21 after federal law enforcement attempted to execute a federal search warrant at Morris’s residence. Before federal law enforcement could enter the residence, Morris fired several shots from inside the residence, striking and injuring a DEA Task Force Officer. Federal law enforcement fired shots into the residence during the exchange. Following the gunfire, Morris refused to exit the residence and engaged in a standoff with law enforcement, while broadcasting a Facebook Live stream from inside the residence. After approximately sixteen hours, Morris surrendered to law enforcement and was taken into custody. Law enforcement located a .40 caliber firearm inside the residence, which Morris subsequently admitted he used during the shootout.
If convicted of the charged offenses, Morris faces a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison for assaulting a federal officer, 15 years in prison for being a felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition, as well as a mandatory minimum of 25 years, and a maximum of life, for using a firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence to run consecutive to any other sentence, along with potential fines.
The charges in the criminal complaint are merely accusations, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law. In the case of conviction, any sentence would be imposed by a United States District Judge based on the statutory sentencing factors and the advisory United States Sentencing Guidelines.
This case is being investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation with assistance from the Drug Enforcement Administration, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, Honolulu Police Department, and Hawaii Department of Law Enforcement.
The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael Albanese.
This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETFs) and Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN).
Kauai Man Sentenced to over 29 Years’ Imprisonment for Extortion, Drug Trafficking, and Carrying a FirearmRead the Press Release
HONOLULU – Acting United States Attorney Ken Sorenson announced that David Borges, 43, of Koloa, was sentenced yesterday in federal court by Senior United States District Judge Helen Gillmor to 352 months’ imprisonment followed by 5 years’ supervised release on his guilty pleas to charges of extortion, conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine and fentanyl, carrying a firearm during a drug trafficking crime, and distributing a mixture of fentanyl and cocaine. Borges has been detained since he was transferred to federal custody from the State of Hawaii on March 9, 2023.
According to court records, during separate incidents on Kauai during December 26 and 27, 2021, Borges and codefendant Albert Bactad, 49, of Lihue, extorted and stole from two men $2,500 cash, drugs, a firearm, and an automobile. During the crimes, Borges and Bactad assaulted both victims, one of whom sustained facial injuries requiring surgery, threatened the victims with firearms, abducted one of the victims, and held the other for ransom. Borges also engaged in drug trafficking on Kauai, including possessing with intent to distribute 9 grams of methamphetamine and a loaded firearm on April 26, 2022, conspiring with Denise Kalani, 62, of Lihue, to distribute 1,100 grams of methamphetamine and 50 grams of fentanyl from July 17, 2022 to August 5, 2022, and distributing a mixture of fentanyl and cocaine to four men on January 26, 2023.
“Borges and his confederates have been a dangerous menace to our community – plaguing it with drugs and violence – and today’s lengthy sentence is a resounding affirmation of our solemn commitment to convicting and punishing those who profit through the pain and misery deadly drugs like crystal methamphetamine bring to our islands. Today’s sentence finally brings an end to the reign of terror Borges and his confederates brought to the people of Hawaii,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Ken Sorenson. “We will continue to work tirelessly with our dedicated law enforcement partners at the FBI, ATF, and Kauai Police Department to root out those who endanger and victimize our communities.”
“Mr. Borges led a violent narcotics trafficking organization; his crimes significantly contributed to the ongoing drug epidemic facing America and plaguing our island communities. This sentencing marks a crucial victory in the ongoing fight to protect our citizens from deadly drugs and violence,” said FBI Honolulu Special Agent in Charge David Porter. “The FBI—standing in resolve with our local, state, and federal partners—will continue to use every available resource to dismantle these dangerous criminal organizations and bring their members to justice.”
“There is an undeniable link between drug dealing and gun violence, and Mr. Borges’s possession of firearms and dealer quantities of meth and fentanyl posed an exceedingly dangerous risk to our community,” said ATF Seattle Field Division Special Agent in Charge Jonathan Blais. “I commend our ATF special agents and law enforcement partners for remaining steadfast in their com mitment to disrupting the sources of drugs in our communities and keeping firearms out of the hands of violent criminals. This sentence reflects the seriousness of Mr. Borges’s actions, and our citizens are now safer with him behind bars.”
“This conviction represents a major step forward in protecting our community from the devastation caused by drugs and violence,” said Chief Kalani Ke, Kauai Police Department. “For years, this individual has terrorized our island, putting our families and neighborhoods at risk. We thank our federal partners for their strong support in this case, which demonstrates how collaboration leads to substantial results and holds those who endanger our community accountable. Together, we remain committed to safeguarding the people of Kauai and will continue our mission to keep dangerous individuals off our streets.”
Borges is the last defendant in his cases to be sentenced, and his codefendants were sentenced as follows:
- On March 13, 2025, Albert Bactad was sentenced to 168 months’ imprisonment and 3 years’ supervised release on his guilty plea to a charge of extortion.
- On April 8, 2025, Kalani was sentenced to 63 months’ imprisonment and 5 years’ supervised release on her guilty plea to a charge of conspiring with Borges to distribute methamphetamine and fentanyl.
- On September 9, 2024, Wayne Inouye, 49, of Lihue, was sentenced to 48 months’ imprisonment and 3 years’ supervised release on his guilty plea to a charge of conspiring to obstruct justice arising from his efforts on behalf of Albert Bactad to secure false written statements from the two victims extorted by Borges and Bactad.
- On September 5, 2024, Robin Takiguchi, 54, of Lihue, was sentenced to 46 months’ imprisonment and 3 years’ supervised release on his guilty plea to a charge of conspiring to obstruct justice arising from his efforts on behalf of Albert Bactad to secure false written statements from the two victims extorted by Borges and Bactad.
- On March 12, 2025, Mahina Bactad, 29, of Kapaa, was sentenced to 30 months’ imprisonment and 3 years’ supervised release on her guilty plea to a charge of conspiring to obstruct justice arising from her efforts on behalf of Albert Bactad to secure false written statements from the two victims extorted by Borges and Bactad.
This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, and the Kauai Police Department with assistance from the Drug Enforcement Administration.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Craig S. Nolan prosecuted the case.
Two Red Hill Fuels Department Employees Indicted for False Statement to Hawaii Department of Health Regarding May 6, 2021 Jet Fuel SpillRead the Press Release
HONOLULU – Acting United States Attorney Ken Sorenson announced today that John Floyd, 63, of Mililani, Hawaii, and Nelson Wu, 38, of Waipahu, Hawaii, were indicted yesterday for conspiracy to commit an offense against the United States and causing another person to make a materially false statement or a material omission in a matter within the jurisdiction of the executive branch of the government of the United States.
According to the allegations in the indictment: Between May 6, 2021 and October 1, 2021, Floyd and Wu were civilians employed as Fuels Department Deputy Director and Fuels Department Supervisory Engineer, respectively, of the United States Navy, Navy Supply Systems Command Fleet Logistics Center Pearl Harbor, which included the Red Hill Bulk Fuel Storage Facility (Red Hill). On May 6, 2021, two couplings on the pipeline at Red Hill failed during an attempted transfer of jet fuel. The attempted transfer was aborted after approximately 20,000 gallons of jet fuel from a storage tank flowed into the pipeline and then spilled into the tunnel. As the regulator of Red Hill due to an authorization by the United States Environmental Protection Agency, the Hawaii Department of Health issued a request for information (RFI) to the United States Navy regarding the May 6, 2021 spill. In connection with the Navy’s October 1, 2021 response to the RFI, Floyd and Wu allegedly willfully caused the Navy to falsely state that the May 6, 2021 spill involved an estimated 1,618 gallons of jet fuel, rather than 20,000 gallons as then known by Floyd and Wu to have been spilled, and omitted information and records material to the RFI.
If convicted of the charged offenses, Floyd and Wu face a maximum sentence of five years’ imprisonment and a fine up to $250,000 on each charge.
The charges in the indictment are merely accusations, and the defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law. In the case of conviction, any sentence would be imposed by a United States District Judge based on the statutory sentencing factors and the advisory United States Sentencing Guidelines.
This case is being investigated by the Defense Criminal Investigative Service, the Naval Criminal Investigative Service, the Environmental Protection Agency Criminal Investigation Division, and the Environmental Protection Agency Office of the Inspector General.
The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Craig S. Nolan.
Four Hawaii Individuals Convicted of Tax Refund Fraud SchemeRead the Press Release
HONOLULU – A federal jury convicted four individuals from Hawaii this week for their roles in a tax refund fraud scheme.
The following is according to court documents and evidence presented at trial: from at least January 2015 through September 2018, Rosemarie Lastimado-Dradi, Marciaminajuanequita Dumlao, Elvah Miranda, and Daniel Miranda conspired to defraud the United States. As part of their scheme, the conspirators filed fraudulent individual tax returns and other tax documents that reported false withholdings from mortgage lenders and then claimed substantial refunds from the IRS. After processing the false returns, the IRS issued refunds totaling over $1 million.
To prevent the IRS from recovering the fraudulently obtained refunds, the conspirators created trusts, opened new bank accounts in the names of business entities and the trusts, and transferred the proceeds between the accounts to conceal them from the government. In addition, Lastimado-Dradi, Dumlao, and Elvah Miranda laundered the fraudulently obtained refunds through a series of bank transactions. Dumlao and Daniel Miranda also each filed for bankruptcy and made false statements under oath in relation to their respective bankruptcy proceedings.
All the defendants were found guilty of conspiracy to defraud the United States. In addition, the jury found Lastimado-Dradi, Dumlao, and Elvah Miranda guilty of money laundering. Daniel Miranda and Dumlao were found guilty of making false statements under oath in a bankruptcy proceeding. Finally, Elvah Miranda was also found guilty of filing a false tax return, and Lastimado-Dradi was found guilty of aiding and assisting in the preparation of false tax returns. Dumlao was acquitted of filing a false tax return and four money laundering counts. Daniel Miranda was acquitted on one count of filing a false return.
Dradi and Dumlao are scheduled to be sentenced on January 26, 2026. Elvah Miranda and Daniel Miranda are scheduled to be sentenced on January 27, 2026. They all face a maximum penalty of five years in prison for conspiracy to defraud the United States. Lastimado-Dradi, Dumlao, and Elvah Miranda each face a maximum penalty of ten years in prison for each count of money laundering. Elvah Miranda faces a maximum penalty of three years in prison for filing a false tax return. Daniel Miranda and Dumlao each face a maximum penalty of five years in prison for each count of making false statements under oath in a bankruptcy proceeding. Lastimado-Dradi faces a maximum penalty of three years in prison for each count of aiding and assisting in the preparation of false tax returns. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
IRS Criminal Investigation is investigating the case.
Trial Attorneys Sarah A. Kiewlicz and Meredith Havekost of the Justice Department’s Tax Division and Assistant U.S. Attorney Gregg Paris Yates for the District of Hawaii are prosecuting the case.
Four Hawaii Individuals Convicted of Tax Refund Fraud SchemeRead the Press Release
A federal jury convicted four individuals from Hawaii this week for their roles in a tax refund fraud scheme.
The following is according to court documents and evidence presented at trial: from at least January 2015 through September 2018, Rosemarie Lastimado-Dradi, Marciaminajuanequita Dumlao, Elvah Miranda, and Daniel Miranda conspired to defraud the United States. As part of their scheme, the conspirators filed fraudulent individual tax returns and other tax documents that reported false withholdings from mortgage lenders and then claimed substantial refunds from the IRS. After processing the false returns, the IRS issued refunds totaling over $1 million.
To prevent the IRS from recovering the fraudulently obtained refunds, the conspirators created trusts, opened new bank accounts in the names of business entities and the trusts, and transferred the proceeds between the accounts to conceal them from the government. In addition, Lastimado-Dradi, Dumlao, and Elvah Miranda laundered the fraudulently obtained refunds through a series of bank transactions. Dumlao and Daniel Miranda also each filed for bankruptcy and made false statements under oath in relation to their respective bankruptcy proceedings.
All the defendants were found guilty of conspiracy to defraud the United States. In addition, the jury found Lastimado-Dradi, Dumlao, and Elvah Miranda guilty of money laundering. Daniel Miranda and Dumlao were found guilty of making false statements under oath in a bankruptcy proceeding. Finally, Elvah Miranda was also found guilty of filing a false tax return and Lastimado-Dradi was found guilty of aiding and assisting in the preparation of false tax returns. Dumlao was acquitted of filing a false tax return and four money laundering counts. Daniel Miranda was acquitted on one count of filing a false return.
Dradi and Dumlao are scheduled to be sentenced on Jan. 26. Elvah Miranda and Daniel Miranda are scheduled to be sentenced on Jan. 27. They all face a maximum penalty of five years in prison for conspiracy to defraud the United States. Lastimado-Dradi, Dumlao, and Elvah Miranda each face a maximum penalty of ten years in prison for each count of money laundering. Elvah Miranda faces a maximum penalty of three years in prison for filing a false tax return. Daniel Miranda and Dumlao each face a maximum penalty of five years in prison for each count of making false statements under oath in a bankruptcy proceeding. Lastimado-Dradi faces a maximum penalty of three years in prison for each count of aiding and assisting in the preparation of false tax returns. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
IRS Criminal Investigation is investigating the case.
Trial Attorneys Sarah A. Kiewlicz and Meredith Havekost of the Justice Department’s Tax Division and Assistant U.S. Attorney Gregg Paris Yates for the District of Hawaii are prosecuting the case.
Waianae Resident Sentenced to 10 Years in Federal Prison for Firearm and Drug Trafficking OffensesRead the Press Release
HONOLULU – Acting United States Attorney Ken Sorenson announced that Jonaven Perkins-Sinapati, 39, of Waianae, Hawaii, was sentenced today in federal court by U.S. District Judge Shanlyn A.S. Park to 120 months’ imprisonment followed by 5 years of supervised release for possessing with intent to distribute methamphetamine and illegally possessing ammunition as a convicted felon. Perkins-Sinapati pled guilty pursuant to a plea agreement in May 2025.
As part of this guilty plea, Perkins-Sinapati admitted that on May 23, 2024, while driving in Waianae, Hawaii and being followed by law enforcement in connection with an outstanding warrant, Perkins-Sinapati instructed a passenger in his vehicle to throw a bag out of the window and then continued driving. Perkins-Sinapati was arrested shortly thereafter when stopped at an intersection, and law enforcement recovered the bag and searched both the bag and the vehicle, finding approximately 147 grams of methamphetamine, a loaded 9mm pistol with no serial number (commonly referred to as a “ghost gun”), 67 rounds of ammunition, and $1,721 in U.S. currency.
According to information provided to the Court at sentencing, the offenses were committed while Perkins-Sinapati was released on bail for a pending state firearms offense relating to an alleged discharge of a firearm with a high-capacity magazine in a residential neighborhood in Kaneohe, Hawaii in May 2024. There was additional evidence presented to the Court that Perkins-Sinapati allegedly discharged a firearm from his vehicle’s sunroof on multiple occasions in public places in the days leading up to his arrest in this matter.
At sentencing Judge Park emphasized the danger of ghost guns, which are untraceable. She called Perkins-Sinapati’s pattern of discharging firearms “grandiose and reckless” and his disposal of a ghost gun on the side of a public road “extremely dangerous.” Judge Park also admonished Perkins-Sinapati for being “a contributing factor” to the gun violence in Waianae, which she described as “wreaking havoc” on that community.
The investigation was conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI).
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Barbara Eucker and Sara D. Ayabe for the District of Hawaii prosecuted the case.
Ex-Honolulu Police Officer Sentenced to 23 Years in Federal Prison for Engaging in Child Sex Crimes While Serving as a Sworn OfficerRead the Press Release
HONOLULU – Acting United States Attorney Ken Sorenson announced that Mason Jordan, 34, of Kailua, Hawaii, was sentenced yesterday to 23 years in federal prison followed by a lifetime term of supervised release. He must also now register as a sex offender. Jordan pled guilty pursuant to a plea agreement in April 2024.
As part of his guilty plea, Jordan admitted that while serving as a Honolulu Police Department officer, he secretly photographed and recorded a child in his household to create sexually explicit material. Posing as a stranger, he then used that material to harass the child and coerce her into producing and sending him additional sexually explicit content. Jordan then posed as the child on social media to lure other local children into working as prostitutes, several of whom he eventually met in person for illicit encounters. He also used his access to proprietary police databases to research his victims and monitor police investigations into his criminal activities. Jordan used sophisticated techniques to evade detection by law enforcement, including systematically rotating between multiple phones, SIM cards, fake email accounts, online phone number services, and false social media profiles.
At sentencing, Senior U.S. District Judge Leslie Kobayashi described Jordan’s conduct as “beyond intentional” and involving extensive “planning and deceit.” She highlighted the technical sophistication of his attempts to conceal his identity and the profound betrayal of his duties as an officer and parental guardian.
“This case represents the ultimate betrayal of public trust: a sworn police officer who exploited his badge to prey on the most vulnerable members of our community,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Ken Sorenson. “I hope the sentence gives some solace to his victims and allows them to begin healing. Authority comes with trust and responsibility, and we will always aggressively pursue corrupt law enforcement officers who hide behind their badges to violate the sacred trust placed in them. We are deeply grateful to our partners with the Honolulu Police Department for its full cooperation and partnership in this investigation from the very beginning. Jordan’s conduct does not reflect the integrity and dedication of the many officers who honorably serve this community every day.”
“Homeland Security Investigations is unwavering in its commitment to protecting the most vulnerable members of our community and ensuring that those who exploit positions of trust to harm others are held accountable,” said HSI Special Agent in Charge Lucia Cabral-DeArmas. “This case underscores the importance of strong partnerships between federal and local law enforcement agencies in bringing offenders to justice. We commend the courage of the survivors who came forward and hope this sentence provides them with some measure of closure. HSI will continue to work tirelessly to safeguard our communities and ensure that no one is above the law.”
“Mason Jordan’s actions reflect an egregious abuse of authority—he violated the trust of family members who relied on him for protection and safety, and his sworn duty to protect this community,” said FBI Honolulu Special Agent in Charge David Porter. “Today’s sentence underscores our collective commitment to pursuing justice for victims and disrupting any sexual predator from further victimizing the most vulnerable among us.”
“Our thoughts are with the survivors whose courage in coming forward is deeply respected,” said Honolulu Police Department Interim Chief of Police Rade Vanic. “The actions of Mason Jordan were inexcusable and do not reflect the values of the Honolulu Police Department.”
This case was the result of a joint investigation by Homeland Security Investigations and the Federal Bureau of Investigation, with the assistance of the Honolulu Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Wayne A. Myers prosecuted the case.
Former Maui Police Officer Pleads Guilty to Federal Civil Rights ViolationRead the Press Release
HONOLULU – A former Maui Police Department officer pleaded guilty Friday to one count of using unreasonable force against an arrestee. According to the plea agreement, on Jan. 6, 2024, Carlos Frate, 40, repeatedly tased the arrestee, even though the arrestee was not resisting or posing any threat. Frate admitted that he knew that his force was unjustified, but he nonetheless continued to tase the arrestee despite the arrestee’s pleas for him to stop.
“Officers who abuse their position of authority to inflict excessive force must be held accountable,” said Assistant Attorney General Harmeet K. Dhillon of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division. “The Civil Rights Division will continue to work with our law enforcement partners to investigate — and where appropriate, prosecute — alleged police misconduct.”
“Our police officers are entrusted to protect our citizens and perform their duties professionally, and it is the norm here in Hawaii that our law enforcement officers faithfully serve and protect us. In those rare instances where an officer abuses the public trust by using excessive force, that officer will be held accountable and prosecuted,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Ken Sorenson for the District of Hawaii. “This Office will continue to safeguard the constitutional rights of all of Hawaii’s citizens, including individuals under arrest.”
“We entrust our law enforcement officers with vast power and authority, and when they abuse it, they’re not just depriving victims of their civil rights, but they are also degrading the public’s trust in our criminal justice system,” said Special Agent in Charge David Porter of the FBI Honolulu Field Office. “The FBI will continue to investigate and hold accountable anyone who violates federal law, regardless of their position.”
Frate faces a maximum penalty of ten years in prison. His final sentence will be determined at a hearing scheduled for Jan. 6, 2026 by U.S. District Judge Micah W. J. Smith based on the advisory sentencing guidelines and other statutory factors.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation is investigating the case based on a referral from the Maui Police Department. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael F. Albanese for the District of Hawaii and Trial Attorney Julia White of the Civil Rights Division’s Criminal Section.
Former Maui Police Officer Pleads Guilty to Federal Civil Rights ViolationRead the Press Release
A former Maui Police Department officer pleaded guilty Friday to one count of using unreasonable force against an arrestee. According to the plea agreement, on Jan. 6, 2024, Carlos Frate, 40, repeatedly tased the arrestee, even though the arrestee was not resisting or posing any threat. Frate admitted that he knew that his force was unjustified, but he nonetheless continued to tase the arrestee despite the arrestee’s pleas for him to stop.
“Officers who abuse their position of authority to inflict excessive force must be held accountable,” said Assistant Attorney General Harmeet K. Dhillon of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division. “The Civil Rights Division will continue to work with our law enforcement partners to investigate — and where appropriate, prosecute — alleged police misconduct.”
“Our police officers are entrusted to protect our citizens and perform their duties professionally, and it is the norm here in Hawaii that our law enforcement officers faithfully serve and protect us. In those rare instances where an officer abuses the public trust by using excessive force, that officer will be held accountable and prosecuted,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Ken Sorenson for the District of Hawaii. “This Office will continue to safeguard the constitutional rights of all of Hawaii’s citizens, including individuals under arrest.”
“We entrust our law enforcement officers with vast power and authority, and when they abuse it, they’re not just depriving victims of their civil rights, but they are also degrading the public’s trust in our criminal justice system,” said Special Agent in Charge David Porter of the FBI Honolulu Field Office. “The FBI will continue to investigate and hold accountable anyone who violates federal law, regardless of their position.”
Frate faces a maximum penalty of ten years in prison. His final sentence will be determined at a hearing scheduled for Jan. 6, 2026 by U.S. District Judge Micah W. J. Smith based on the advisory sentencing guidelines and other statutory factors.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation is investigating the case based on a referral from the Maui Police Department. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael F. Albanese for the District of Hawaii and Trial Attorney Julia White of the Civil Rights Division’s Criminal Section.
Oahu Basketball Coach Sentenced to 405 Month in Prison for Child Exploitation and Harassment Offenses Involving Ten Charged VictimsRead the Press Release
HONOLULU – Acting United States Attorney Ken Sorenson announced that Dwayne Yuen, a 52-year-old resident of Honolulu, was sentenced yesterday in federal court to 405 months’ imprisonment followed by a lifetime term of supervised release for eleven counts related to child exploitation and harassment offenses. Yuen is also required to register as a federal sex offender. Yuen was arrested in February 2023 for child exploitation offenses. He pleaded guilty in December 2024 to committing crimes against three minor victims, including sex trafficking Minor Victim 1 in 2005 and 2006; coercing and enticing Minor Victim 2 to engage in sexual activity in 2006; and producing, receiving, and possessing child pornography of Minor Victim 3 in and around 2020 to 2023. He also pleaded guilty to harassing victims identified in court documents as Victims 4 through 9 through anonymous communications and Victim 10 through obscene communications in and around 2021 to 2023.
According to information provided to the Court, Yuen’s criminal conduct spanned nearly two decades, from at least 2005 through February 2023, when he was arrested in this case. Yuen was a youth basketball coach of mostly middle school- and high school-aged girls. He coached both private club teams and teams at various private and public schools on Oahu. Minor victims 1 through 3 and Victims 4 through 10 were all basketball players coached by Yuen or associated with him in their basketball activities. They were minors or at or near eighteen years old when Yuen began sending a relentless barrage of harassing and sexually explicit communications.
Yuen targeted student-athletes he coached or mentored with particular vulnerabilities, such as family or financial stressors. He groomed these victims for years when they were minors, starting with some victims as young as twelve-years old. He bought them gifts and food and over time engaged in increasingly graphically sexualized and obscene communications and imagery. He boasted about sexual contact he claimed to have with other student-athletes. He repeatedly threatened Minor Victims 1 and 2 and subjected Minor Victim 2 to sexual violence to coerce them into repeated sexual contact when they were fifteen and sixteen years old. For Minor Victim 2, when she stopped responding to his communications and attempted to stop the sexual abuse, he threatened to ruin her life, rape and kill her, and told her he was untouchable. He also got Minor Victim 3 to engage in a sexually explicit video call with him in 2020, which he then took screenshots of and sent to another victim.
For almost twenty years, his relentless pressure tactics involved targeting victims by using dozens of anonymous numbers to call and message victims and sending thousands of messages, sometimes up to one hundred a day, often with graphic sexual content. To coerce and entice victims to engage in physical and virtual sexual activity with him, he paid them, told them they owed him for any gifts they had received from him, threatened to ruin their reputations, expose their sexual past, and destroy their basketball careers.
At sentencing, Senior District Judge J. Michael Seabright stated that Yuen was a “predator with a whistle” who “groomed” and “preyed” on the victims “over and over again.” He was “truly relentless” in the “number of victims that he targeted” and “how he treated each of them.” In sentencing Yuen, Senior District Judge Seabright reiterated that the “scars clearly run deep” and remain “for life.”
“Dwayne Yuen grossly and repeatedly violated the sacred trust placed in him by his employer and the parents and families of his young female victims. He used his power and position to groom and then serially exploit and victimize the young girls entrusted to his care” said Acting U.S. Attorney Ken Sorenson. “While nothing can ever undo the harm he has caused these children and their families, it is our sincere hope that today’s sentence will ensure that our community and children are protected from him, and serve to deter other predators like him in the future. The U.S. Attorney’s Office and our dedicated law enforcement partners at the FBI will always continue to hunt down and bring to justice all who seek to exploit Hawaii’s children.”
“Yuen held a position of trust that demanded he protect and inspire young athletes,” said FBI Criminal Investigative Division Assistant Director Jose A. Perez. “Instead, he abused his authority by preying upon and threatening his young victims. Today’s sentencing reinforces the message that the victimization of children will not be tolerated by law enforcement. The FBI will continue to meticulously investigate these crimes, which cause irreparable harm and trauma to our nation’s youth.”
This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation Honolulu Field Office.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Rebecca A. Perlmutter and Trial Attorney Gwendelynn Bills of the U.S. Department of Justice’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section prosecuted the case.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and CEOS, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to better locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, visit www.justice.gov/psc.
Hawaii Basketball Coach Sentenced to over 33 Years for Child Exploitation and Harassment of 10 VictimsRead the Press Release
A Hawaii man was sentenced today to over 33 years in prison and a lifetime term of supervised release for enticement of a minor, sex trafficking of a minor, production and receipt of child pornography, and harassment offenses.
“The defendant was a youth basketball coach who shamelessly sexually exploited, abused, harassed, and threatened his young victims, causing incalculable harm to them,” said Acting Assistant Attorney General Matthew R. Galeotti. “We remain steadfast in our commitment to secure justice for victims of these atrocious crimes, especially when such acts are committed by individuals who seek and abuse the trust of their communities in order to target and exploit vulnerable children.”
“Dwayne Yuen grossly and repeatedly violated the sacred trust placed in him by his employer and the parents and families of his young female victims,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Ken Sorenson for the District of Hawaii. “He used his power and position to groom and then serially exploit and victimize the young girls entrusted to his care. While nothing can ever undo the harm he has caused these children and their families, it is our sincere hope that today’s sentence will ensure that our community and children are protected from him, and serve to deter other predators like him in the future. The U.S. Attorney’s Office and our dedicated law enforcement partners at the FBI will always continue to hunt down and bring to justice all who seek to exploit Hawaii’s children.”
“Yuen held a position of trust that demanded he protect and inspire young athletes,” said FBI Criminal Investigative Division Assistant Director Jose A. Perez. “Instead, he abused his authority by preying upon and threatening his young victims. Today’s sentencing reinforces the message that the victimization of children will not be tolerated by law enforcement. The FBI will continue to meticulously investigate these crimes, which cause irreparable harm and trauma to our nation’s youth.”
According to court documents, Dwayne Yuen, 52, of Honolulu, exploited and harassed at least ten victims, who he met through youth basketball, where he served as a coach and mentor. From 2005 to 2023, Yuen engaged in extensive grooming of his victims, many of whom were especially vulnerable because of financial or family stressors, purchasing elaborate gifts for them and spending an inappropriate amount of time alone with them. Once trust was established, Yuen began engaging in sexual conversations with his victims, including sending them sexually explicit images. In the early 2000s, he engaged in coerced and forced sexual contact with victims as young as 15 years old. He used threats to harm his victims’ reputation and basketball career to stop them from disclosing or attempting to stop his abuse. He threatened at least one victim with rape and death and threatened, blackmailed, and physically assaulted another victim who tried to avoid his sexual advances. In later years, he would pay economically vulnerable players that he coached to send him sexually explicit images or engage in sexually explicit conversations. He got one minor victim, a former player that he knew was a minor, to engage in a sexually explicit video call in 2020, which he then took screenshots of and sent on at least one occasion to another victim. He also used unidentified numbers to send harassing messages to numerous former players, sometimes at the rate of a hundred times a day.
The FBI Honolulu Field Office investigated the case.
Trial Attorney Gwendelynn Bills of the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS) and Assistant U.S. Attorney Rebecca Perlmutter of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Hawaii prosecuted the case.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and CEOS, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to better locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, visit www.justice.gov/psc.
Mexican National Sentenced to 54 Months for Illegal Reentry After Ten Prior Removals and Three Illegal Reentry Felony ConvictionsRead the Press Release
HONOLULU – Acting United States Attorney Ken Sorenson announced that Navor Salas Cruz, 52, of Mexico, was sentenced yesterday in federal court by U.S. District Judge Derrick K. Watson to 54 months of imprisonment followed by three years of supervised release for illegally reentering and remaining in the United States. Salas Cruz pled guilty to the charge on April 4, 2025.
According to court documents, Salas Cruz came to the attention of law enforcement after a 2024 Kauai arrest for operating a vehicle under the influence of an intoxicant. Between 1997 and 2020, Salas Cruz was removed from the United States to Mexico ten times. Salas Cruz has three prior driving while under the influence arrests and fourteen contempt of court arrests. In addition to his three prior federal convictions for illegally reentering the United States, Salas Cruz also has convictions for abuse of a household member, assault, violation of a protective order, and being a felon in possession of firearms and ammunition.
At sentencing, Judge Watson indicated he did not believe Salas Cruz’s claim that he understood the importance of following laws, stating that it was “clear you do not respect our laws” given Salas Cruz’s “extensive criminal history.” Judge Watson noted that Salas Cruz has “learned precious little over the last 25 years” and his prior crimes have put the public at risk.
“This prosecution and lengthy sentence deliver the clear message that when you come to Hawaii as an illegal alien and repeatedly violate our nation’s laws, you will be federally prosecuted and sentenced to a long period of imprisonment,” stated Acting U.S. Attorney Ken Sorenson. “We will not tolerate those who exploit our borders and endanger our citizens.” This case was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Darren W.K. Ching prosecuted the case.
This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETFs) and Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN).
CEO of Hawaii Shipbuilding Company Sentenced to 13 Years for $29M Investment Fraud Scheme, President Received Two Year SentenceRead the Press Release
A formerly married couple was sentenced yesterday for their roles in a more than decade-long scheme to defraud hundreds of investors out of millions of dollars in connection with Semisub Inc. (Semisub), a Hawaii-based company.
According to court documents and evidence presented at trial, Curtiss E. Jackson, 72, of Honolulu, Hawaii, and Jamey Denise Jackson, 62, currently of Cochester, Conneticut, and formerly of Honolulu, who were respectively Semisub’s CEO and President, falsely told investors for years that the prototype vessel, Semisub One, was “weeks” or “months” away from beginning operations. The defendants also solicited funds based on false statements that Semisub had entered into agreements or developed relationships with government agencies and a private investment firm to build and sell a fleet of Semisubs for tens of millions of dollars — among other misrepresentations. As a part of the scheme, the defendants used investor funds to pay for luxury residences in Hawaii and California, a Mercedes-Benz automobile, luxury vacations, psychics, and marijuana.
Curtiss Jackson also sent a death threat to Jamey Denise during the investigation, in the form of a link to an online video entitled “Death of FBI Informants” containing graphic clips from The Sopranos television series depicting the deaths of several characters who had cooperated with the FBI. Curtiss Jackson further obstructed an official proceeding by attempting to flee the United States’ territorial waters aboard the Semisub One, which was subject to criminal forfeiture proceedings, on the day before his bond revocation hearing.
In May 2024, Curtiss Jackson was convicted of securities fraud, conspiracy, mail fraud, wire fraud, witness tampering, and obstructing an official proceeding while on pretrial release. In January 2023 Jamey Denise Jackson pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit mail fraud and wire fraud.
Curtiss Jackson was sentenced to 13 years in prison. Jamey Denise Jackson was sentenced to two years in prison.
Acting Assistant Attorney General Matthew R. Galeotti of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division; Acting U.S. Attorney Kenneth M. Sorenson for the District of Hawaii; Inspector in Charge Eric Shen of the U.S. Postal Inspection Service (USPIS) Criminal Investigations Group; and Special Agent in Charge Adam Jobes of the IRS Criminal Investigation (IRS-CI) Seattle Field Office made the announcement.
The USPIS and IRS-CI investigated the case.
Trial Attorneys Matthew Reilly and Jennifer Bilinkas of the Criminal Division’s Fraud Section and Assistant U.S. Attorneys Margaret Nammar and Aislinn Affinito for the District of Hawaii are prosecuting the case.
CEO and President of Hawaii Shipbuilding Company Sentenced for $29M Investment Fraud SchemeRead the Press Release
HONOLULU – A formerly married couple was sentenced yesterday for their roles in a more than decade-long scheme to defraud hundreds of investors out of millions of dollars in connection with Semisub Inc. (Semisub), a Hawaii-based company. Curtiss E. Jackson, 72, of Honolulu, Hawaii, was sentenced to thirteen years in prison, and Jamey Denise Jackson, 62, currently of Cochester, Connecticut, and formerly of Honolulu, was sentenced to two years in prison.
According to court documents and evidence presented at trial, Curtiss Jackson and Jamey Denise Jackson, who were respectively Semisub’s CEO and President, falsely told investors for years that the prototype vessel, Semisub One, was “weeks” or “months” away from beginning operations. The defendants also solicited funds based on false statements that Semisub had entered into agreements or developed relationships with government agencies and a private investment firm to build and sell a fleet of “Semisubs” for tens of millions of dollars — among other misrepresentations. As a part of the scheme, the defendants used investor funds to pay for luxury residences in Hawaii and California, a Mercedes-Benz automobile, luxury vacations, psychics, and marijuana.
Curtiss Jackson also sent a death threat to Jamey Denise Jackson during the investigation, in the form of a link to an online video entitled “Death of FBI Informants” containing graphic clips from The Sopranos television series depicting the deaths of several characters who had cooperated with the FBI. Curtiss Jackson further obstructed an official proceeding by attempting to flee the United States’ territorial waters aboard the Semisub One, which was subject to criminal forfeiture proceedings, on the day before his bond revocation hearing.
In May 2024, Curtiss Jackson was convicted by a jury of securities fraud, conspiracy, mail fraud, wire fraud, witness tampering, and obstructing an official proceeding while on pretrial release. In January 2023, Jamey Denise Jackson pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit mail fraud and wire fraud.
Acting Assistant Attorney General Matthew R. Galeotti of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division; Acting U.S. Attorney Kenneth M. Sorenson for the District of Hawaii; Inspector in Charge Eric Shen of the U.S. Postal Inspection Service (USPIS) Criminal Investigations Group; and Special Agent in Charge Adam Jobes of the IRS Criminal Investigation (IRS-CI) Seattle Field Office made the announcement.
The USPIS and IRS-CI investigated the case.
Trial Attorneys Matthew Reilly and Jennifer Bilinkas of the Criminal Division’s Fraud Section and Assistant U.S. Attorneys Margaret Nammar and Aislinn Affinito for the District of Hawaii are prosecuting the case.
Waikiki Drug Dealer Who Distributed Fentanyl Pills Linked to U.S. Marine’s Death Sentenced to 10 Years in Federal PrisonRead the Press Release
HONOLULU – Acting United States Attorney Ken Sorenson announced that Justin Wu, 23, of Waikiki, Hawaii was sentenced yesterday by U.S. District Judge Shanlyn A. S. Park to 120 months of imprisonment followed by 5 years of supervised release for distributing pills containing fentanyl and possession of cocaine with intent to distribute.
According to court records, Wu distributed five small blue pills containing fentanyl to an 18-year-old United States Marine on November 9, 2021 and was arrested in possession of approximately 17 grams of cocaine on June 29, 2022. Investigators determined that the Marine died from fentanyl toxicity a day after Wu gave him the pills. Judge Park imposed an upward variance from the advisory Sentencing Guidelines range, observing that Wu’s distribution of fentanyl contributed to and facilitated the Marine’s death. Judge Park also noted that Wu was dealing drugs while on federal probation for a prior drug trafficking conviction—a “brazen” betrayal of the district court’s trust—and that while in custody pending trial, Wu attempted to obstruct justice by soliciting another person to present perjured testimony on his behalf. Wu’s prior federal probation was revoked, and he was sentenced to concurrent time.
This case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration and the Naval Criminal Investigative Service, with assistance from the Honolulu Police Department.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Michael F. Albanese and Jonathan D. Slack prosecuted the case.
Armed Felon Indicted After Barricading Himself in Home with over Ten Pounds of Methamphetamine and Illegal FirearmsRead the Press Release
HONOLULU – Acting United States Attorney Ken Sorenson announced today that Patrick Nowicke, 44, of Wahiawa, Hawaii, was indicted today with possessing with intent to distribute methamphetamine, possessing firearms in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, and illegally possessing a firearm and ammunition as a convicted felon.
According to court documents, on July 13, 2025, law enforcement arrested Nowicke at his residence in Wahiawa, Hawaii for terroristic threatening in the first degree. The arrest followed a multi-hour armed barricade between Nowicke and law enforcement. During a subsequent search of Nowicke’s residence, law enforcement seized over ten pounds of methamphetamine, an illegal short-barreled rifle, a 9mm privately made firearm, ammunition, a suspected silencer, and a suspected smoke grenade.
If convicted of the charged offenses, Nowicke faces a maximum sentence of life in prison, including a combined mandatory minimum of 25 years for the drug and firearm charges, and fines of up to $10 million.
The charges in the indictment are merely accusations, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law. In the case of conviction, any sentence would be imposed by a United States District Judge based on the statutory sentencing factors and the advisory United States Sentencing Guidelines.
This case is being investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, with assistance from the Honolulu Police Department.
It is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Sara D. Ayabe.
This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETFs) and Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN).
Foreign Citizen Extradited to New Zealand to Stand Trial for Child RapeRead the Press Release
HONOLULU – Acting United States Attorney Kenneth M. Sorenson announced that a foreign citizen overstaying a visitor visa on Oahu was extradited to New Zealand where he is wanted to stand trial for the alleged rape of a twelve year- old. The man invoked his right to name suppression under New Zealand law and is not being identified by the United States Attorney’s Office.
According to the extradition request submitted by New Zealand, the man is charged with rape, indecent assault on a young person, and unlawful sexual connection, among other offenses, for a 2015 encounter with the minor victim in a guest room adjoining the minor’s family home. Multiple witnesses provided statements to New Zealand Police, including a female friend of the victim, who corroborated the victim’s story and reported having also been inappropriately touched by the man in the months preceding the incident. Following an initial encounter with New Zealand Police in September 2015, the man fled New Zealand, eventually finding his way to Hawaii.
The United States Marshals Service, with substantial assistance from Homeland Security Investigations, arrested the man in March 2024. On April 3, 2025, following federal court proceedings in Honolulu, the court certified him as extraditable to New Zealand. The United States Secretary of State thereafter granted the extradition request, and he was surrendered to New Zealand authorities on May 30, 2025.
The case was handled by Assistant U.S. Attorney Jonathan D. Slack of the District of Hawaii and the Office of International Affairs in the Justice Department’s Criminal Division