District of Hawaii
Press releases recorded for this federal judicial district.
Man charged with sending threatening emailRead the Press Release
HONOLULU, Hawaii – Sean Michael Fujiwara, 43, of Kailua, Hawaii, was charged on July 28, 2020 by federal complaint with sending threatening interstate communications. Fujiwara has been remanded to federal custody pending further proceedings.
U.S. Attorney Kenji M. Price for the District of Hawaii announced that the complaint alleges that Fujiwara sent emails at least 21 times between December 8, 2017 and July 27, 2020 that were threatening in nature or contained references to foreign terrorist organizations, or both. Among the alleged messages were a February 25, 2018 email to a personal Hawaii Department of Education email address threatening to shoot and kill teachers and students, a June 8, 2020 email to a law enforcement agency threatening to plant a bomb at a specified police station, and multiple emails proclaiming Fujiwara’s allegiance to ISIS.
“Words have meaning, and the law enforcement community in Hawaii will not tolerate the use of electronic communications to send threatening words to victims in our communities. We will thoroughly investigate and prosecute those whose conduct jeopardizes public safety, particularly during times when many in our communities have enough to worry about,” said U.S. Attorney Price.
“The FBI takes these types of threats very serious especially when they reference schools and the killing of students and teachers. Many times these threats are more than words and are actually a precursor to violence. The men and women of the FBI work tirelessly to identify the author of such threats to ensure they are stopped before they act out. This arrest is an example of the FBI’s dedication to justice and our goal of making Hawaii a safer place for all,” said Federal Bureau of Investigation Special Agent in Charge Eli S. Miranda.
The charges in the complaint are merely allegations, and a defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
This case is being investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Sean Van Demark.
Hawaii man sentenced to five years in prison for possessing child pornographyRead the Press Release
HONOLULU, Hawaii – Tyler Pang, 20, of Honolulu, received a sentence of five years imprisonment from United States District Judge Leslie E. Kobayashi today for possessing child pornography. The defendant also must register as a sex offender in the jurisdiction(s) where he resides, is employed, or is a student.
U.S. Attorney Kenji M. Price for the District of Hawaii announced that according to information produced in court, Pang found a sexually explicit video of a minor female online. After identifying her and finding her social media account, Pang contacted the female with threats to disseminate her sexually explicit video unless she produced more explicit images for him. When she refused to comply with his demands, Pang distributed the explicit video to her friends on social media, and continued to threaten her over the course of months. In addition, Pang admitted possessing a collection of child pornography that he offered for sale on the internet.
“The defendant’s despicable conduct in this case appropriately landed him in federal prison for years, where he can reflect upon the harm he caused the victim. As the prosecution made clear, Pang weaponized a sexually explicit video of a minor in his attempt to satisfy his desire for explicit photos of her. My office will continue to seek justice for victims of this kind of extortion, as well as those who victimize our young people by contributing to the market for child pornography by possessing, distributing, or producing it,” said U.S. Attorney Price.
“Identifying predators who exploit the innocence of a child will always be a top priority for the FBI. Tyler Pang possessed sexual images of children and distributed the images over the internet. Today’s sentencing highlights the hard work of the men and women of the FBI and puts a child predator offline,” said Federal Bureau of Investigation Special Agent in Charge Eli S. Miranda.
The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation. The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Morgan Early.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by U.S. Attorney’s Offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (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 www.justice.gov/psc.
Financial officer of Hawaiian charter school sentenced to imprisonment for embezzling over $600,000 from Big Island charter schoolRead the Press Release
HONOLULU, Hawaii – Kelaukila Estabilio, 40, of Hilo, Hawaii, was sentenced today in federal court by U.S. District Judge Derrick K. Watson to 60 months imprisonment for embezzling funds from the Hawaiian charter school where she worked.
U.S. Attorney Kenji M. Price for the District of Hawaii announced that according to court documents and information presented in court, from 2006 through January 2019, Estabilio worked for the Kua O Ka Lā Public Charter School, formerly located in Pahoa, Hawaii on the Big Island. The charter school also had a non-profit financial support entity, Ho’oulu Lahui. Estabilio was the financial officer of the charter school and responsible for managing the books and records.
For over six years, from at least 2012 through November 2018, Estabilio misused the charter school’s funds to pay for her and her family’s personal credit card bills totaling around at least $628,835. Estabilio used the charter school’s funds to pay off personal bills for extensive interisland and mainland travel; personal care, such as nail salons; pet veterinary care; retail purchases, such as stores like Victoria’s Secret and Zales; entertainment, such as Bruno Mars tickets, MMA, Netflix, and iTunes; living expenses; and restaurant bills. For years, Estabilio falsified the books and records of the charter school to conceal her embezzlement activities from both her subordinates and supervisors.
The charter school’s campus was destroyed by lava from the Kilauea eruption in or around July 2018. Over approximately five months, between July and November 2018, when her fraud was uncovered, Estabilio stole more than $90,000 from the charter school and Ho’oulu Lahui. In sentencing Estabilio, the District Judge imposed a sentence above the range suggested by the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines. At the sentencing hearing, the District Judge characterized Estabilio’s conduct as “reprehensible,” and driven by “greed” and a sense of “entitlement.” The District Judge pointed out that Estabilio’s scheme was revealed ultimately because of the careful attention to detail by staff at the charter school; not a change of heart by Estabilio. The District Judge also stated that Estabilio took advantage of her position of trust within the charter school and her theft impacted the charter school movement as a whole. Because of Estabilio’s “selfish” actions, the District Judge noted that the money the charter school needed for the children it served and to rebuild was not there when it needed it the most.
“This investigation and prosecution brought to light the despicable conduct of Kua O Ka Lā Public Charter School’s former financial officer. While charter schools and other educational institutions work to educate our keiki, unfortunately there are those like Estabilio who undermine those efforts to line their own pockets. As a result of this prosecution, Estabilio will have five years in federal prison to reflect upon the damage her actions caused to the native Hawaiian community, and the plight of those whose lives are so dramatically impacted by her shameful conduct,” said U.S. Attorney Price.
“Today’s sentencing sends a very simple message that these types of financial frauds will not go unpunished—they will be investigated to the fullest extent of the law,” said Trevor Fenwick, Special Agent in Charge of the U.S. Secret Service Honolulu Field Office.
In addition to a term of imprisonment, the Court also imposed three years of supervised release, restitution, and criminal forfeiture.
The case was investigated by the U.S. Secret Service with the assistance of the State of Hawaii Attorney General’s Office. The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Rebecca Perlmutter.
Maui man sentenced to 10 years in prison for attempted sexual enticement of a 14-year-old girlRead the Press Release
HONOLULU, Hawaii – Nolan Nishida, 37, of Wailuku, Maui, was sentenced today in federal court by Senior U.S. District Judge Susan Oki Mollway to 10 years of imprisonment followed by 10 years of supervised release for attempting to entice a minor to engage in unlawful sexual activity. Nishida is required to pay a $5,000 special assessment pursuant to the Justice for Victims of Trafficking Act of 2015. A federal jury convicted Nishida of this offense on February 13, 2020, after approximately two days of trial.
U.S. Attorney Kenji M. Price for the District of Hawaii stated that according to court documents and information presented at trial, on October 11, 2017, Nishida engaged in a series of online chats with an undercover agent posing as a 14-year-old girl. During their conversations, Nishida arranged to meet the girl in person with the intent to engage in sexual activity. Nishida traveled to the agreed-upon location, and was later arrested.
“My office will continue its ongoing efforts to protect the community from those who seek to endanger our young people by sexually exploiting them. This case is yet another step in the right direction in protecting Hawaii’s keiki,” stated U.S. Attorney Price.
“Every year thousands of children become victims of crime, whether through kidnappings, violent attacks, sexual abuse, or online predators. The men and women of the FBI are committed to protect the youth of our nation. Today’s sentencing reflects the hard work, dedication, and partnership between the United States Attorney’s Office and the FBI to ensure these predators are brought to justice,” stated FBI Special Agent in Charge Eli S. Miranda.
The case was investigated by the FBI, and it was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Margaret Nammar and Morgan Early.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by U.S. Attorney’s Offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (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 www.justice.gov/psc.
Former Honolulu police officer sentenced to four years for committing civil rights offensesRead the Press Release
HONOLULU, Hawaii – John Rabago, 44, of Honolulu, Hawaii, was sentenced today in federal court by U.S. District Judge Leslie E. Kobayashi to 48 months of imprisonment for his role in violating an individual’s constitutional rights. In December 2019, Rabago pled guilty to one count of conspiring to deprive a person of his civil rights, and to one count of acting under color of law to deprive the same individual of his rights.
U.S. Attorney Kenji M. Price for the District of Hawaii stated that according to court documents and information presented in court, on January 28, 2018, while working as on-duty officers, Rabago and Reginald Ramones conspired to force an individual to lick a urinal in a public bathroom. According to court documents, in a separate and unrelated incident prior to January 2018, Rabago made another individual place his head in a public bathroom toilet in order to avoid arrest.
“The defendant’s egregious conduct in this case is out-of-step with the tremendous work performed by police officers every day in Honolulu. I commend the work that our dedicated police officers do day-in and day-out to protect our communities. Prosecutions like these show that a uniform and a badge will not insulate those who violate the civil rights of others from the long arm of the law,” said U.S Attorney Price.
“The FBI is committed to ensuring the protection of the civil rights of all citizens regardless of class, status, or creed,” said Special Agent in Charge Eli S. Miranda of the FBI’s Honolulu Field Office.
Rabago’s co-defendant, Ramones, previously pled guilty to misprision of a felony and is scheduled to be sentenced on July 22, 2020.
This case was investigated by the Honolulu Division of the FBI. It is being prosecuted by Trial Attorney Timothy Visser of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division and Assistant U.S. Attorney Thomas Brady for the District of Hawaii.
Eleven defendants charged in Hawaii federal court with racketeering and other offensesRead the Press Release
HONOLULU, Hawaii – Kenji M. Price, the U.S. Attorney for the District of Hawaii, Eli S. Miranda, Special Agent in Charge of the Honolulu Field Office of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (“FBI”), Tom Murdock, Special Agent in Charge of the Seattle Field Office of the Internal Revenue Service Criminal Investigation (“IRS-CI”), Josh Allen, Acting Special Agent in Charge of the Office of the Environmental Protection Agency, Criminal Investigative Division (“EPA-CID”), Lucia Cabral-Dearmas, Acting Special Agent in Charge of the Honolulu Field Office of Homeland Security Investigations (“HSI”), and Aaron Joseph, Regional Agent in Charge of the Seattle Field Division of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (“ATF”) announced the unsealing of a Superseding Indictment today charging MICHAEL J. MISKE, JR., and 10 other defendants with racketeering conspiracy and other offenses. The Superseding Indictment includes charges against MISKE for his role in the kidnapping and murder of 21-year-old Johnathan Fraser in July 2016.
A prior Indictment, which charged MISKE and another defendant with participation in a cocaine trafficking conspiracy, was also unsealed today.
Eight of the defendants were arrested today. One defendant has not been arrested and remains at large. Two of the defendants, LANCE BERMUDEZ and DAE HAN MOON, were already in state custody. The case has been assigned to United States District Judge Derrick K. Watson.
As alleged in the Superseding Indictment unsealed today in Hawaii federal court[1]:
From at least in or about the late 1990s, up to and including the date of the Superseding Indictment, MICHAEL J. MISKE, JR., aka “Bro,” JOHN B. STANCIL, KAULANA FREITAS, aka “Shorty,” LANCE L. BERMUDEZ, aka “Hammah,” DEA HAN MOON, aka “Dayday,” PRESTON M. KIMOTO, HARRY K. KAUHI, aka “Harry Boy,” NORMAN L. AKAU III, HUNTER J. WILSON, and JARRIN K. YOUNG, the defendants, and others known and unknown, conspired to conduct and participate in the conduct of the affairs of a racketeering enterprise, the “Miske Enterprise,” through a pattern of racketeering activity. The racketeering activity included acts involving murder, kidnapping, arson, and robbery. It also included acts relating to murder-for-hire, chemical weapons, extortionate credit transactions, racketeering, interference with commerce through robbery and extortion, drug trafficking, wire fraud, fraud in connection with identification documents, financial institution fraud, the Currency and Foreign Transactions Reporting Act, money laundering, and obstruction of justice.
From at least in or about March 2016 and continuing to on or about July 30, 2016, MISKE conspired with others to kidnap and murder 21-year-old Johnathan Fraser. In March 2016, MISKE instructed a co-conspirator to develop a plan for kidnapping and murdering Fraser, and told that co-conspirator that he/she could name the price for carrying out the murder. In or about June 2016, MISKE arranged for the purchase of a Boston Whaler vessel that could be used to dump Fraser’s body into the ocean after Fraser was kidnapped and killed. On or about July 30, 2016, Fraser was kidnapped and killed. On that same day, another of MISKE’s co-conspirators took Fraser’s significant other on a “spa day,” thereby ensuring that Fraser and his significant other would be separated from each other when Fraser was kidnapped.
MISKE and other members and associates of the Miske Enterprise participated in various other acts of violence:
- In or about 2016, MISKE, STANCIL, BERMUDEZ, MOON, and KAUHI conspired to commit the murder-for-hire of an individual (“Victim-1”) whom MISKE suspected of cooperating with law enforcement.
- On or about May 23, 2017, MISKE and STANCIL attempted to cause the death of another person (“Victim-2”) and committed an assault of Victim-2, and did so using at least one firearm.
- From the late 1990s and continuing to in or about 2018, MISKE, STANCIL, BUNTENBAH, and others known and unknown, conspired to commit assaults in aid of racketeering.
- In or about October 2017, MISKE, KIMOTO, and others known and unknown conspired to kidnap another person (“Victim-3”) in Honolulu, Hawaii. Two of MISKE’s co-conspirators, acting on MISKE’s instructions, kidnapped Victim-3 in Honolulu and restrained him/her in their vehicle.
- In or about 2016, STANCIL, BERMUDEZ, KAUHI, and AKAU participated in a gunpoint robbery of another person (“Victim-4”) during which they robbed Victim-4 of methamphetamine.
- On or about August 24, 2016, BERMUDEZ and WILSON participated in a gunpoint robbery of another person (“Victim-5”) during which they robbed Victim-5 of controlled substances.
In or about March 2017, MISKE, STANCIL, and FREITAS, and others known and unknown, conspired to release a chemical weapon, namely, chloropicrin, into nightclubs in Honolulu, Hawaii. As part of this conspiracy, chloropicrin was released into two different nightclubs.
Multiple defendants conspired to distribute and possess with intent to distribute controlled substances, including methamphetamine, cocaine, oxycodone, and marijuana.
Between on or about April 21, 2017 and July 3, 2017, MISKE and others participated in a scheme to defraud Bank of Hawaii through the preparation and submission of materially false documents as part of loan applications.
* * *
Charts containing the name, ages, charges, and maximum penalties for the defendants are set forth below. The maximum potential sentences in this case are prescribed by Congress and are provided here for informational purposes only, as any sentencing of the defendants will be determined by the judge.
Mr. Price praised the outstanding investigative work of the FBI, IRS-CI, EPA-CID, HSI, and ATF. He also thanked the Honolulu Police Department for the work of personnel who participated in this matter in their role as Task Force Officers with the FBI, and thanked the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Coast Guard Investigative Service, the United States Marshals Service Fugitive Task Force, the Hawaii National Guard, 93rd Civil Support Team, and the Office of Investigations–Office of the Inspector General for the Social Security Administration for their assistance.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Michael Nammar, Micah Smith, and Mark A. Inciong are in charge of the prosecution. Assistant U.S. Attorney Marion Percell is in charge of the forfeiture component of the case.
The charges contained in the Superseding Indictment are merely accusations, and the defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
COUNT
CHARGE
DEFENDANT(s) (AGE)
MAX. PENALTIES
1Racketeering conspiracy
18 U.S.C. §1962(d)
MICHAEL J. MISKE, JR. (46)
JOHN B. STANCIL (32)
KAULANA FREITAS (32)
LANCE L. BERMUDEZ (29)
DAE HAN MOON (24)
PRESTON M. KIMOTO (41)
HARRY K. KAUHI (47)
NORMAN L. AKAU III (47)
HUNTER J. WILSON (26)
JARRIN K. YOUNG (26)
20 years in prison2
Murder in Aid of Racketeering
18 U.S.C. § 1959(a)(1)
MICHAEL J. MISKE, JR.
Mandatory minimum of life in prison or death3
Conspiracy to Commit Murder in Aid of Racketeering
18 U.S.C. § 1959(a)(5)
MICHAEL J. MISKE, JR.
10 years in prison
4
Murder-for-Hire Conspiracy Resulting in Death
18 U.S.C. § 1958
MICHAEL J. MISKE, JR.
Mandatory minimum of life in prison or death5
Kidnapping Using a Facility of Interstate Commerce Resulting in Death
18 U.S.C. § 1201(a)(1)
MICHAEL J. MISKE, JR.
Life in prison or death 6Conspiracy to Commit Kidnapping Using a Facility of Interstate Commerce
18 U.S.C. § 1201(c)
MICHAEL J. MISKE, JR. Life in prison or death 7Murder-for-Hire Conspiracy
18 U.S.C. § 1958
MICHAEL J. MISKE, JR.
JOHN B. STANCIL
LANCE L. BERMUDEZ
DAE HAN MOON
HARRY K. KAUHI 10 years in prison 8Assault and Attempted Murder in Aid of Racketeering
18 U.S.C. §§ 1959(a)(3) and 1959(a)(5)
MICHAEL J. MISKE, JR.
JOHN B. STANCIL 20 years in prison 9Firearm Offense
18 U.S.C. § 924(c)(1)(A)(iii)MICHAEL J. MISKE, JR.
JOHN B. STANCILLife in prison
Mandatory consecutive term of 10 years in prison
10Conspiracy to Commit Assaults in Aid of Racketeering
18 U.S.C. § 1959(a)(6)
MICHAEL J. MISKE, JR.
MICHAEL J. BUNTENBAH (48) Three years in prison 11Conspiracy to Commit Kidnapping Using a Facility of Interstate Commerce
18 U.S.C. § 1201(c)
MICHAEL J. MISKE, JR.
PRESTON M. KIMOTO Life in prison 12Conspiracy to Use a Chemical Weapon
18 U.S.C. § 229(a)(2)
MICHAEL J. MISKE, JR.
JOHN B. STANCIL
KAULANA FREITAS Life in prison 13Use of a Chemical Weapon
18 U.S.C. § 229(a)(1)
MICHAEL J. MISKE, JR.
JOHN B. STANCIL
KAULANA FREITAS Life in prison 14Use of a Chemical Weapon
18 U.S.C. § 229(a)(1)
MICHAEL J. MISKE, JR.
JOHN B. STANCIL Life in prison 15Conspiracy to Distribute and Possess With Intent to Distribute Cocaine
21 U.S.C. § 846
MICHAEL J. MISKE, JR.
MICHAEL J. BUNTENBAHLife in prison
Mandatory minimum of 10 years in prison
16Conspiracy to Distribute and Possess With Intent to Distribute Controlled Substances
21 U.S.C. § 846
MICHAEL J. MISKE, JR.
JOHN B. STANCIL
KAULANA FREITAS
LANCE L. BERMUDEZ
DAE HAN MOON
PRESTON M. KIMOTO
MICHAEL J. BUNTENBAH
HARRY K. KAUHI
NORMAN L. AKAU III
HUNTER J. WILSON
JARRIN K. YOUNGLife in prison
Mandatory minimum of 10 years in prison
17Firearm Offense
18 U.S.C. § 924(c)(1)(A)(i)
JOHN B. STANCIL
LANCE L. BERMUDEZ
HARRY K. KAUHI
NORMAN L. AKAU III
HUNTER J. WILSON
JARRIN K. YOUNGLife in prison
Mandatory consecutive term of five years in prison
18Hobbs Act Robbery
18 U.S.C. § 1951JOHN B. STANCIL
LANCE L. BERMUDEZ
HARRY K. KAUHI
NORMAN L. AKAU III 20 years in prison 19Firearm Offense
18 U.S.C. § 924(c)(1)(A)(ii)
JOHN B. STANCIL
LANCE L. BERMUDEZ
HARRY K. KAUHI
NORMAN L. AKAU III Mandatory consecutive term of seven years in prison 20Hobbs Act Robbery
18 U.S.C. § 1951
LANCE L. BERMUDEZ
HUNTER J. WILSON Mandatory consecutive term of seven years in prison 21Firearm Offense
18 U.S.C. § 924(c)(1)(A)(ii)
LANCE L. BERMUDEZ
HUNTER J. WILSON Mandatory consecutive term of seven years in prison 22Bank Fraud
18 U.S.C. § 1344(2) MICHAEL J. MISKE, JR. 30 years in prison
[1] As the introductory phrase signifies, the entirety of the text of the Superseding Indictment constitutes only allegations, and every fact described herein should be treated as an allegation.
Man pleads guilty to attempted sexual enticement of a 13-year-old girlRead the Press Release
HONOLULU, Hawaii – Zachariah Fredrickson, 32, of Kapolei, Hawaii, pleaded guilty today in federal court to one count of attempting to entice a minor to engage in unlawful sexual activity. He entered his plea pursuant to a binding Plea Agreement with the government, in which the parties jointly recommended a sentence to include 10 years in prison. Sentencing is scheduled for October 29, 2020, before U.S. District Judge Helen Gillmor.
U.S. Attorney Kenji M. Price for the District of Hawaii stated that according to court documents and information presented in court, on March 25, 2019, Fredrickson engaged in a series of online chats with an undercover agent posing as a 13-year-old girl. During their conversations, Fredrickson arranged to meet the girl in person with the intent to engage in sexual activity. Fredrickson then traveled to the agreed-upon location, and was later arrested.
“This investigation is yet another step forward in our journey to protect our children from those who seek to do them harm. My office will continue its quest to bring justice to those who attempt to sexually exploit our children,” stated U.S. Attorney Price.
"We must protect the children of Hawaii and our Nation. The FBI is committed to identify sexual predators and bring them to justice,” stated FBI Special Agent in Charge Eli S. Miranda.
The case was investigated by the FBI and the Hawaii Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force (ICAC), and it was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Morgan Early.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by U.S. Attorney’s Offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (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 www.justice.gov/psc.
Retired police officer sentenced to 10 years for his attempted unlawful sexual enticement of a 13-year-old boyRead the Press Release
HONOLULU, Hawaii – James Dean Kalani Goeas, 63, of Waipahu, Hawaii, was sentenced today in federal court by United States District Judge Jill Otake to 120 months of imprisonment, and 15 years of supervised released for knowingly attempting to entice an individual who had not attained the age of 18 years to engage in unlawful sexual activity.
U.S. Attorney Kenji M. Price for the District of Hawaii stated that according to court documents and information presented in court, on March 23, 2019 and March 24, 2019, Goeas engaged in a series of online chats and telephonic text sessions with an undercover agent acting in the role of a 13-year-old male. During their conversations, Goeas arranged to meet the underage male at Maukalani Park with the intent to engage in sexual activity. When Goeas arrived at Maukalani Park on March 24, agents arrested him. At the time of Goeas’s arrest, agents located both condoms and lubricating gel in his vehicle. During a post-arrest statement, Goeas admitted to past unlawful sexual contact with minor males.
“While online platforms and cellphones enhance our ability to connect with friends and loved ones, unfortunately, child sex predators use them to try to sexually exploit children. My Office will continue to partner with the FBI to fight child sex exploitation, and through our enforcement efforts, remind child sex offenders that we will find a suitable home for them in federal prison,” stated U.S. Attorney Price.
"The FBI takes a proactive approach to identify and hold accountable individuals who seek to sexually exploit children. We remain vigilant and are committed to ensure that the children of Hawaii and across the United States are protected from these predators. Today's sentencing reaffirms the FBI's commitment to removing sexual predators from children’s lives and doing it through the justice system," stated FBI Special Agent in Charge Eli S. Miranda.
The case was investigated by the FBI and it was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Ken Sorenson.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by U.S. Attorney’s Offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (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 www.justice.gov/psc.
Three Former Hilo Correctional Officers Indicted for Assaulting an Inmate and Attempting to Cover it UpRead the Press Release
A federal grand jury in Honolulu, Hawaii, returned a six-count indictment against three former correctional officers — Jason Tagaloa, 29, Craig Pinkney, 36, and Jonathan Taum, 48 — for their roles in assaulting an inmate housed at the Hawaii Community Correctional Center and for attempting to cover up their misconduct.
The indictment from June 25, was announced Tuesday by U.S. Attorney Kenji M. Price for the District of Hawaii, Assistant Attorney General Eric Dreiband for the Department of Justice’s Civil Rights Division, and FBI Honolulu Special Agent in Charge Eli S. Miranda.
The indictment alleges that, on June 15, 2015, defendants Tagaloa, Pinkney, and Taum, along with a fourth correctional officer designated “Officer A,” physically assaulted an inmate in the jail’s recreation yard, that Tagaloa later assaulted the same inmate in a holding cell, and that both assaults resulted in bodily injury. The indictment further alleges that the defendants and Officer A conspired to cover up their misconduct by engaging in a variety of obstructive acts, including devising a false cover story to justify their use of force, documenting that false cover story in official reports, and repeating that false cover story when questioned during the ensuing investigation and disciplinary proceedings arising out of the assault.
The maximum penalties for the charged crimes are 10 years of imprisonment for each of the deprivation-of-rights offenses, 20 years of imprisonment for each of the false report offenses, and 5 years of imprisonment for the conspiracy offense.
An indictment is merely an accusation, and the defendants are presumed innocent unless proven guilty.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Craig Nolan of the District of Hawaii is prosecuting the case in partnership with Special Litigation Counsel Christopher J. Perras and Trial Attorney Thomas Johnson of the Civil Rights Division.
Three former Hilo correctional officers indicted for assaulting an inmate and attempting to cover it upRead the Press Release
HONOLULU, Hawaii – On June 10, 2020, a federal grand jury returned a six count indictment against three former correctional officers—Jason Tagaloa, 29, Craig Pinkney, 36, and Jonathan Taum, 48—for their roles in assaulting an inmate housed at the Hawaii Community Correctional Center and for attempting to cover up their misconduct.
The indictment was unsealed today announced U.S. Attorney Kenji M. Price for the District of Hawaii, Assistant Attorney General Eric Dreiband for the Department of Justice’s Civil Rights Division, and FBI Honolulu Special Agent in Charge Eli S. Miranda.
The indictment alleges that, on June 15, 2015, Defendants Tagaloa, Pinkney, and Taum, along with a fourth correctional officer designated “Officer A,” physically assaulted an inmate in the jail’s recreation yard, that Tagaloa later assaulted the same inmate in a holding cell, and that both assaults resulted in bodily injury. The indictment further alleges that the defendants and Officer A conspired to cover up their misconduct by engaging in a variety of obstructive acts, including devising a false cover story to justify their use of force, documenting that false cover story in official reports, and repeating that false cover story when questioned during the ensuing investigation and disciplinary proceedings arising out of the assault.
“Those committed to the custody of our state and federal detention facilities do not jettison their constitutional rights when they pass through the doors to those facilities. They are entitled to humane treatment, which includes constitutional safeguards, such as the right to be free of ‘cruel and unusual’ punishment while in custody. Our communities entrust correctional officers to protect detention facilities and the inmates housed within them, and when such officers commit crimes within a detention facility, they will be held accountable to the fullest extent of the law,” said U.S. Attorney Price.
“The FBI’s Civil Rights Program dedicates a significant amount of its efforts to investigating police misconduct and other crimes committed by individuals exploiting their government-granted powers. Fortunately, the vast majority of public servants understand that they must both uphold and obey the law. The few who illegally manipulate others using their official capacity will be caught and tried like any other criminal. The FBI is committed to restoring trust in law enforcement by holding those who abuse their privileges and abandon their responsibilities accountable,” said FBI Special Agent in Charge Miranda.
The maximum penalties for the charged crimes are 10 years of imprisonment for each of the deprivation-of-rights offenses, 20 years of imprisonment for each of the false report offenses, and five years of imprisonment for the conspiracy offense.
An indictment is merely an accusation, and the defendants are presumed innocent unless proven guilty.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation conducted the investigation. Assistant United States Attorney Craig Nolan of the District of Hawaii is prosecuting the case in partnership with Special Litigation Counsel Christopher J. Perras and Trial Attorney Thomas Johnson of the Civil Rights Division.
Former little league softball coach charged with producing child pornography and possessing child pornographyRead the Press Release
HONOLULU, Hawaii – Rian Harold Ishikawa, 42, of Kailua, was charged on June 29, 2020 by federal complaint with one count of producing child pornography and two counts of possessing child pornography.
U.S. Attorney Kenji M. Price for the District of Hawaii announced that the complaint alleges that the defendant has been and is currently involved with managing and/or coaching youth sports teams, and was the agent and President of Kainalu Little League, Inc. The complaint further alleges, in substance and in part, that the defendant was the subscriber of an email account that contained recorded videos and photographs of what appears to be prepubescent children in a bathroom.
“My office will continue to protect our keiki by vigorously pursuing and prosecuting those who sexually exploit them. The allegations in the complaint, if proven beyond a reasonable doubt, will trigger a penalty that sends an unequivocal message to those who exploit the precious keiki who hold our future in their hands,” said U.S. Attorney Price.
“This case is particularly troubling in light of the defendant’s access to young people,” said Lucy Cabral-DeArmas, acting Special Agent in Charge for Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) Honolulu. “HSI will continue to work closely with our federal and local law enforcement partners to investigate those who sexually exploit our young people and ensure that these predators feel the full weight of the law.”
The charges in the complaint are merely allegations, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
This case is being investigated by Homeland Security Investigations. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Craig Nolan.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by U.S. Attorney’s 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 www.justice.gov/psc.
Department of Justice Files Statement of Interest Challenging the Constitutionality of Hawaii Governor’s COVID-19 Order that Effectively Discriminates Against Out of-State Residents in a Manner that Harms Hawaii’s EconomyRead the Press Release
The Justice Department yesterday filed a statement of interest in Hawaii federal court in support of a lawsuit filed by Nevada and California residents who own property in Hawaii challenging a measure by Gov. David Ige in response to COVID‑19 that mandates a 14-day self-quarantine for individuals entering Hawaii.
Under the governor’s latest COVID-19 order, the Hawaii residents who have remained in the state since the onset of the pandemic — regardless of whether they have self-quarantined within the last 14 days or ever — are free to travel between the islands, maintain and freely enjoy their properties, and engage in commerce with certain businesses. Out-of-staters such as the plaintiffs, by contrast, must self-quarantine in a single location for two weeks before they can share in the same freedoms available to most Hawaii residents.
The statement of interest is part of Attorney General William P. Barr’s April 27, 2020 initiative directing Assistant Attorney General Eric Dreiband for the Civil Rights Division, and the U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Michigan, Matthew Schneider, to review state and local policies to ensure that civil liberties are protected during the COVID-19 pandemic.
“The United States Constitution requires government to protect the privileges and immunities of all citizens in our nation,” said Assistant Attorney General Eric Dreiband of the Civil Rights Division. “These privileges and immunities include the right of Americans to travel freely anywhere in our country, and state governments cannot limit the right of out-of-state Americans to travel to their state unless doing so is substantially related to protecting the public safety. The Department of Justice remains committed to defending the constitutional rights of all Americans no matter where they live. The department will continue to be especially vigilant of any infringement on the right to travel that unduly harms the ability of Americans to earn a living and support their families.”
“Reasonable measures designed to protect the public are not only appropriate, but responsible during a pandemic, and the Constitution does not bind the hands of state officials who, through careful thought and deliberation impose such measures,” said Kenji M. Price, the U.S. Attorney for the District of Hawaii. “However, there are bounds to the discretion our public officials have during times of crisis. Those bounds are shaped by constitutional safeguards, such as the right of Hawaii residents and persons who hail from other states to travel freely within this great country. As our state leaders consider the way forward with Hawaii’s 14-day quarantine, it is my hope that they will pay due consideration to the protections embedded in the Constitution, so that visitors from far and wide may experience the Aloha spirit that makes Hawaii such a special place.”
Starting in March, the Governor of Hawaii issued a series of proclamations in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. The latest one, his Ninth Supplementary Proclamation, maintains a mandatory 14-day self-quarantine for anyone entering Hawaii. Those subject to this self-quarantine mandate must confine themselves at a single “designated quarantine location” within Hawaii and not leave there for two weeks (unless they are departing from the state). Anyone who violates the self-quarantine mandate faces up to a year in jail and a $5,000 fine. Those in Hawaii “not subject to the traveler self-quarantine,” by contrast, are free to travel throughout the State — including between islands — for a variety of purposes.
In addition to contributing to the harm suffered by Hawaii’s tourism industry, the self-quarantine mandate precludes out-of-staters who own properties in Hawaii from taking advantage of opportunities available to Hawaii residents who have not left the island since the onset of the pandemic.
In its statement of interest, the United States explains that Hawaii’s self-quarantine requirement effectively discriminates against out-of-state residents. This effective discrimination, based on the evidence and argument presented thus far, appears to be inadequately tailored to further public safety and therefore does not comply with the Constitution. The statement of interest explains that it appears that a close analogue to Hawaii — Alaska — is able to protect public health through less restrictive means. Alaska, like Hawaii, has a low number of COVID-19 cases. Alaska, like Hawaii, is typically reached by airplane. Alaska, like Hawaii, imposes a 14-day self-quarantine mandate on those entering the State. But Alaska, unlike Hawaii, provides out-of-state residents with alternatives to the self-quarantine: (i) they may produce test results showing they tested negative for COVID-19 shortly before departing for Alaska, (ii) they may test for COVID‑19 upon arrival in Alaska and self-quarantine in Alaska until they receive a negative test result, or (iii) they may provide evidence that they have tested positive for COVID-19 in the past and have recovered.
Although Hawaii’s Governor may take reasonable steps to protect public safety during the COVID-19 pandemic, the governor must show that the effective discrimination against out-of-staters at issue here bears a substantial relationship to that goal. As of now, he has not done so.
The federal case is Carmichael, et al. v. Ige, Case No. 1:20-cv-00273 JAO-WRP.
Department of Justice files Statement of Interest challenging the constitutionality of Hawaii Governor’s COVID-19 Order that effectively discriminates against out-of-state residents in a manner that harms Hawaii’s economyRead the Press Release
HONOLULU, Hawaii – The Department of Justice today filed a statement of interest in Hawaii federal court in support of a lawsuit filed by residents of Nevada and California residents who own property in Hawaii challenging a measure by Governor David Ige in response to COVID 19 that mandates a 14-day self-quarantine for individuals entering Hawaii.
The
Statement of Interest is part of Attorney General William P. Barr’s April 27, 2020 initiative directing Assistant Attorney General Eric Dreiband for the Civil Rights Division, and the U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Michigan, Matthew Schneider, to review state and local policies to ensure that civil liberties are protected during the COVID-19 pandemic.“The United States Constitution requires government to protect the privileges and immunities of all citizens in our nation,” said Assistant Attorney General Eric Dreiband of the Civil Rights Division. “These privileges and immunities include the right of Americans to travel freely anywhere in our country, and state governments cannot limit the right of out-of-state Americans to travel to their state unless doing so is substantially related to protecting the public safety. The Department of Justice remains committed to defending the constitutional rights of all Americans no matter where they live. The department will continue to be especially vigilant of any infringement on the right to travel that unduly harms the ability of Americans to earn a living and support their families.”
“Reasonable measures designed to protect the public are not only appropriate, but responsible during a pandemic, and the Constitution does not bind the hands of state officials who, through careful thought and deliberation impose such measures. However, there are bounds to the discretion our public officials have during times of crisis. Those bounds are shaped by constitutional safeguards, such as the right of Hawaii residents and persons who hail from other states to travel freely within this great country. As our state leaders consider the way forward with Hawaii’s 14-day quarantine, it is my hope that they will pay due consideration to the protections embedded in the Constitution, so that visitors from far and wide may experience the Aloha spirit that makes Hawaii such a special place,” said Kenji M. Price, the U.S. Attorney for the District of Hawaii.
Starting on March 4, 2020, the Governor of Hawaii has issued a series of Proclamations in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. The latest one, his Ninth Supplementary Proclamation, maintains a mandatory 14-day self-quarantine for anyone entering Hawaii. Those subject to this self-quarantine mandate must confine themselves at a single “designated quarantine location” within Hawaii and not leave there for two weeks (unless they are departing from the State). Anyone who violates the self-quarantine mandate faces up to a year in jail and a $5,000 fine. Those in Hawaii “not subject to the traveler self-quarantine,” by contrast, are free to travel throughout the State—including between islands—for a variety of purposes.
In addition to contributing to the harm suffered by Hawaii’s tourism industry, the self-quarantine mandate precludes out-of-state residents who own properties in Hawaii from taking advantage of opportunities available to Hawaii residents who have not left the island since the onset of the pandemic.
In its statement of interest, the United States explains that Hawaii’s self-quarantine requirement effectively discriminates against out-of-state residents. This effective discrimination, based on the evidence and argument presented thus far, appears to be inadequately tailored to further public safety and therefore does not comply with the Constitution. The statement of interest explains that it appears that a close analogue to Hawaii—Alaska—is able to protect public health through less restrictive means. Alaska, like Hawaii, has low number of COVID-19 cases. Alaska, like Hawaii, is typically reached by airplane. Alaska, like Hawaii, imposes a 14-day self-quarantine mandate on those entering the State. But Alaska, unlike Hawaii, provides out-of-state residents with alternatives to the self-quarantine: (i) they may produce test results showing they tested negative for COVID-19 shortly before departing for Alaska, (ii) they may test for COVID 19 upon arrival in Alaska and self-quarantine in Alaska until they receive a negative test result, or (iii) they may provide evidence that they have tested positive for COVID-19 in the past and have recovered. Although Hawaii’s Governor may take reasonable steps to protect public safety during the COVID-19 pandemic, the Governor must show that the effective discrimination against out-of-staters at issue here bears a substantial relationship to that goal. As of now, he has not done so.
The federal case is Carmichael, et al. v. Ige, Case No. 1:20-cv-00273 JAO-WRP.
Department of Justice observes the 15th Annual World Elder Abuse Awareness DayRead the Press Release
HONOLULU, Hawaii – Today, U.S. Attorney Kenji M. Price joined Attorney General William P. Barr and the entire Department of Justice in observing the 15th Annual World Elder Abuse Awareness Day. The Department echoes voices around the world condemning elder abuse, neglect and exploitation.
The COVID-19 pandemic has created unprecedented challenges for our country and the world, but among those most severely affected by the threat of the novel virus are our senior citizens. During this time when seniors are most vulnerable and isolated from their families and loved ones by social distancing and quarantine restrictions, bad actors have immediately exploited this international tragedy to prey on the elderly through a whole host of scam and fraud schemes. As the world takes this day to remember the elderly during these uncertain times, the Department of Justice remains relentlessly committed, through its department-wide Elder Justice Initiative, to prevent and prosecute fraud on America’s seniors.
The Department will aggressively prosecute fraudsters exploiting the Covid-19 pandemic and targeting seniors offering them fake testing kits and fake help obtaining stimulus and Paycheck Protection Program Funds. On this day dedicated to recognizing our seniors, the Department of Justice sends a strong message that we continue the fight to keep seniors safe a top priority.
Earlier this year Attorney General Barr declared “Prevention and Disruption of Transnational Elder Fraud” to be an Agency Priority Goal, making it one of the Department’s four top priorities.
Major strides have already been made to that end:
- National Elder Fraud Hotline: 833-FRAUD-11
- Earlier this year Attorney General Barr launched a National Elder Fraud Hotline. Staffed by experienced case managers who provide personalized support to callers, the hotline serves to assist elders and caretakers who believe they have been a victim of fraud by reporting and providing appropriate services.
- Transnational Elder Fraud Strike Force: Established in June 2019 to combat foreign elder fraud schemes, the Strike Force is composed of the Department’s Consumer Protection Branch and six U.S. Attorneys’ Offices along with FBI special agents, Postal Inspectors, and numerous other law enforcement personnel. Since its inception, prosecutors in Strike Force districts brought cases against more than 140 sweep defendants.
- Annual Elder Justice Sweep: In March of this year, the Attorney General announced the largest coordinated sweep of elder fraud cases in department history. The Department, together with every U.S. Attorney’s office, charged more than 400 defendants, causing over $1 billion in loss through fraud schemes that largely affected seniors.
- Money Mule Initiative: Since October 2018, the Department and its law enforcement partners began a concentrated effort across the country and around the world to disrupt, investigate, and prosecute money mule activity used to facilitate fraud schemes, especially those victimizing senior citizens. In 2019 actions were taken to halt the conduct of more than 600 domestic money mules, exceeding a similar effort against approximately 400 mules in the previous year.
- Holding foreign-based perpetrators and those that flee the United States accountable: Transnational criminal organizations are targeting our elder population in schemes including mass mailing fraud, grandparent scams, romance scams, lottery and sweepstakes scams, IRS and Social Security Administration imposter scams, and technical-support scams.
For more information on enforcement actions, training and resources, research, and victim services, please visit www.justice.gov/elderjustice.
Corrections officer charged with smuggling contraband into Oahu Community Correctional CenterRead the Press Release
HONOLULU, Hawaii – Jon Estabilio, Jr., 45, of Honolulu, Hawaii, was charged today by federal complaint with possession of a controlled substance with the intent to distribute, providing or possessing contraband in prison, and bribery of public officials. Estabilio has been remanded to federal custody pending further proceedings.
U.S. Attorney Kenji M. Price for the District of Hawaii announced that the complaint alleges that on June 3, 2020, Estabilio, an adult corrections officer at the Oahu Community Correctional Center (“OCCC”) was searched administratively after prison call information suggested Estabilio was smuggling contraband into the prison. Several packs of cigarettes, lighters, tattoo kits, and a total of 16 small zip lock baggies containing methamphetamine were found on Estabilio.
“The complaint in this case describes the egregious conduct of a corrections officer who chose to endanger the OCCC community rather than protect it, by smuggling the very same poison that destroys the lives of so many in our communities into OCCC. My office will not tolerate corrections officers who engage in such conduct and will aggressively prosecute those who do to the fullest extent of the law,” said U.S. Attorney Price.
"The alleged behavior will not be tolerated in our community. It is a FBI priority to investigate allegations of wrongdoing from those who have taken an oath to protect our citizens. We must always hold our law enforcement and corrections officers to the highest standards of accountability and integrity," said Federal Bureau of Investigation Special Agent in Charge Eli S. Miranda.
The charges in the complaint are merely allegations, and a defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
This prosecution was investigated by the FBI. It is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Sean Van Demark.
U.S. Attorney Kenji M. Price recognizes police weekRead the Press Release
HONOLULU, Hawaii – In honor of National Police Week, U.S. Attorney Kenji M. Price would like to recognize the service and sacrifice of federal, state, local, and tribal law enforcement. This year, National Police Week is Sunday, May 10 through Saturday, May 16, 2020.
"There is no more noble profession than serving as a police officer," said Attorney General William P. Barr. "The men and women who protect our communities each day have not just devoted their lives to public service, they’ve taken an oath to give their lives in order to ensure our safety. And they do so not only in the face of hostility from those who reject our nation’s commitment to the rule of law, but also in the face of evolving adversity – such as an unprecedented global health pandemic. This week, I ask all Americans to join me in saying ‘thank you’ to our nation’s federal, state, local, and tribal law enforcement officers. Their devotion and sacrifice to our peace and security will not be taken for granted."
"Our law enforcement officers work day-in and day-out to protect the public and, in doing so, sacrifice their own safety and the well-being of their family members and loved ones. These heroes—who daily put the community’s interests above their own—deserve our highest praise for their bravery, professionalism, and commitment to the community. In the Aloha State, those who don the uniform and protect us are truly among the finest in our midst. I echo the Attorney General’s request that all Americans—and, in particular, those in our communities in Hawaii—find an opportunity this week to thank our nation’s law enforcement officers," said U.S. Attorney Price.
In 1962, President Kennedy issued the first proclamation for Peace Officers Memorial Day and National Police week to remember and honor law enforcement officers for their service and sacrifices. Peace Officers Memorial Day, which every year falls on May 15, specifically honors law enforcement officers killed or disabled in line of duty.
Each year, during National Police Week, our nation celebrates the contributions of law enforcement from around the country, recognizing their hard work, dedication, loyalty and commitment to keeping our communities safe. This year the COVID-19 pandemic has underscored law enforcement officers' courage and unwavering devotion to the communities they swore to serve.
Based on data collected and analzed by the FBI's Law Enforcment Officer Killed and Assaulted (LEOKA) Program, 89 law enforcement officers died nationwide in the line of duty in 2019.
Comprehensive data tables about these incidents and brief narratives describing most of the fatal attacks are included in the sections of Law Enforcement Officers Killed and Assaulted, 2019.
The names of the fallen officers who have been added in 2020 to the wall at the National Law Enforcement Memorial were recognized on Wednesday, May 13, 2020, during a Virtual Annual Candlelight Vigil. The online event may be viewd at https://www.youtube.com/user/TheNLEOMF.
###
Man arrested on cyberstalking charge for revenge porn and harassmentRead the Press Release
HONOLULU, Hawaii – Micah Austin Goodale, 26, was arrested today for cyberstalking, in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 2261A(2). He will make an initial appearance in federal court in the District of Arizona.
U.S. Attorney Kenji M. Price for the District of Hawaii announced that the criminal complaint charges Goodale with systematically harassing one of his former intimate partners by disseminating sexual videos and images of her on multiple websites and social media platforms. Along with these “revenge porn” posts, Goodale included the victim’s personal address, phone number, and other identifying information. Goodale also logged in to the victim’s social media accounts and distributed these sexual images and videos to her list of friends and family, and even threatened to send the materials to the victim’s employer. Goodale also sent the victim repeated death threats and degrading insults by email and text messages, and threatened her family members with harm.
“The troubling allegations in the complaint highlight an all-too-common form of criminal activity enabled by the increased connectivity we have through the Internet: cyber-stalking and cyber-harassment. My office will vigorously pursue for prosecution those who weaponize the Internet by using it to harass others,” stated U.S. Attorney Price.
"The FBI takes cyber crimes very seriously. Working alongside our fellow agents in Phoenix, no one is out of reach from the jurisdiction of the FBI. Today's arrest is a testament to the unwavering commitment, dedication, and hard work of the men and women of the FBI," said FBI Special Agent in Charge Eli S. Miranda.
The charges in the complaint are merely allegations, and a defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
This prosecution was investigated by FBI in Honolulu, Hawaii. It is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Morgan Early.
Female charged with armed carjackingRead the Press Release
HONOLULU, Hawaii – Vanity Sua, 27, of Waipahu, was charged on April 27, 2020 by federal complaint with armed carjacking in violation of 18 U.S.C. §§ 2119 and 2.
U.S. Attorney Kenji M. Price for the District of Hawaii announced that the complaint alleges that on April 22, 2020, Sua was involved in an armed carjacking along with two other male suspects. Sua initiated the encounter with the victims and got into their parked vehicle. Thereafter, two male suspects approached the victims’ vehicle. When the victim in the driver’s seat attempted to start the ignition, one of the male suspects pulled out a handgun and pointed it at the victim. Sua reached over and removed the car keys from the ignition and got out of the vehicle. Both of the male suspects then ordered the victims out of the vehicle at gunpoint. One of the male suspects entered the victims’ vehicle. Sua then drove away in her vehicle followed by the male suspect driving the victims’ vehicle, and the other male suspect driving a truck.
The charges in the complaint are merely allegations, and a defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
The case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Honolulu Police Department. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Margaret Nammar.
This prosecution is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program that brings together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. The Department of Justice reinvigorated PSN in 2017 as part of its renewed focus on targeting violent criminals, directing all U.S. Attorney’s Offices to work in partnership with federal, state, local, and tribal law enforcement and the local community to develop effective, locally-based strategies to reduce violent crime.
This case is also part of Project Guardian, the Department of Justice’s signature initiative to reduce gun violence and enforce federal firearms laws. Initiated by the Attorney General in the fall of 2019, Project Guardian draws upon the Department’s past successful programs to reduce gun violence; enhances coordination of federal, state, local, and tribal authorities in investigating and prosecuting gun crimes; improves information-sharing by the ATF when a prohibited individual attempts to purchase a firearm and is denied by the National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS), to include taking appropriate actions when a prospective purchaser is denied by the NICS for mental health reasons; and ensures that federal resources are directed at the criminals posing the greatest threat to our communities. The United States Attorney’s Office has prosecuted this case with support from the following Project Guardian partners: the ATF and the HPD. For more information about Project Guardian, please click here.
Department of Justice committed to combatting sexual harassment in housing during COVID-19 crisisRead the Press Release
HONOLULU, Hawaii – U.S. Attorney Kenji M. Price is urging those who have experienced housing-related sexual harassment to report such conduct to the Department of Justice. While many landlords have accommodated their tenants in response to the economic hardships posed by the COVID-19 crisis, there have been reports of landlords responding to requests to defer rent payments with demands for sexual favors and other acts of unwelcome sexual conduct.
“Sexual harassment in housing is an often underreported, but egregious violation of the right to fair housing,” U.S. Attorney Price said. “Landlords and property managers who use their power to exploit those desperately in need of housing during a crisis, and engage in other predatory practices, will face the long arm of the law. The Attorney General has asked my fellow U.S. Attorneys and I to investigate reports of housing-related sexual harassment resulting from the current crisis, and my office is committed to uncovering such violations where they exist and bringing justice to victims by vigorously enforcing the law.”
The Department of Justice--through the U.S. Attorney’s Offices and the Civil Rights Division, enforces the federal Fair Housing Act--which prohibits discrimination in housing on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, familial status, national origin, and disability. Sexual harassment is a form of sex discrimination prohibited by the Act. The Justice Department brings cases each year involving unlawful landlord conduct, including allegations of defendants exposing themselves sexually to current or prospective tenants, requesting sexual favors in exchange for reduced rents or making necessary repairs, making unrelenting and unwanted sexual advances to tenants, and evicting tenants who resisted their sexual overtures. More information about the Department of Justice’s Sexual Harassment in Housing Initiative is available on its webpage at https://www.justice.gov/crt/sexual-harassment-housing-initiative.
Anyone who has experienced sexual harassment in housing, or knows someone who has, is encouraged to contact the Department of Justice’s Civil Rights Division by calling 1.844.380.6178 or emailing [email protected]. Individuals in Hawaii are also encouraged to contact the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Hawaii by emailing [email protected].
Two men arrested and charged with bank theftRead the Press Release
HONOLULU, Hawaii – Ameer A. Davis, 23, of Kaneohe, Hawaii, was charged on April 20, 2020 by federal complaint with bank theft as an agent of, or as a person connected in a capacity with a federally insured bank. On April 23, 2020, Landon L. Williams, 19, of Ft. Shafter, Hawaii, was charged by federal complaint with conspiring with Davis in the theft.
U.S. Attorney Kenji M. Price for the District of Hawaii announced that the complaints allege that on February 3, 2020, Davis was an employee of Pacific Courier, Inc. (PCI), an armored services provider. PCI had a contract to use its armored vans to transport money under the care, custody, and control of First Hawaiian Bank (FHB), whose deposits are insured by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation. On February 3, the PCI armored van in which Davis was riding parked at the Ala Moana Shopping Center. Davis and all other occupants got out of the armored van, leaving it unattended. Around 10:45 a.m., Williams and another individual exited a vehicle parked near the PCI armored van wearing Spiderman masks. Using a key left for them by Davis, they opened a side door of the PCI armored van and removed bags containing approximately $400,000 in federally insured funds.
The charges in these complaints are merely allegations, and the defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
These cases are being investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Honolulu Police Department. They are being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Marshall H. Silverberg.
Department of Justice Commemorates National Crime Victims’ Rights WeekRead the Press Release
HONOLULU, Hawaii – U.S. Attorney Kenji M. Price joins the Department of Justice and communities nationwide in observing National Crime Victims’ Rights Week, celebrating victims’ rights, protections and services throughout the week. This year’s observance takes place April 19-25 and features the theme, “Seek Justice| Ensure Victims' Rights | Inspire Hope.”
“Every year, millions of Americans suffer the shock and trauma of criminal victimization, affecting their well-being and sense of security and dignity,” said Attorney General William P. Barr. “To these victims, we affirm our unwavering commitment to supporting them in their hour of need. We also commend the thousands of victim advocates and public safety professionals who labor tirelessly to secure victims’ rights and support survivors.”
“Promoting victim rights is a critical part of our work as a federal law enforcement community. While we cannot turn back the hands of time and fill the void left by many of the devious behaviors and acts of violence that damage our communities, we are committed to doing our part to care for victims, advocate on their behalf, and create a pathway for them to be heard in criminal proceedings,” said U.S. Attorney Kenji M. Price for the District of Hawaii. “We thank our victim advocates for all of the hours of work they devote to advancing the victim rights in our communities.”
“While we have made tremendous progress driving down crime and violence across the country, far too many Americans continue to suffer the pain and loss of criminal victimization,” said Katharine T. Sullivan, Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General of the Office of Justice Programs. “This week, we stand by these survivors and their families, and we pledge our ongoing support to the countless men and women who serve them with such extraordinary skill and compassion.”
Ronald Reagan proclaimed the first Victims’ Rights Week in 1981, putting crime victims' rights, needs, and concerns in a prominent spot on the American agenda. He also established the President's Task Force on Victims of Crime, which laid the groundwork for a national network of services and legal safeguards for crime victims. President Trump and his administration have implemented historic levels of support for victim assistance and victim compensation.
Some 3.3 million Americans age 12 and older were victims of violent crime in 2018, according to the National Crime Victimization Survey. The Office for Victims of Crime (OVC), part of the Justice Department’s Office of Justice Programs, supports more than 7,000 local victim assistance programs and victim compensation programs in every state and U.S. territory. Funds for these programs come from the Crime Victims Fund, which is made up of federal criminal fines, penalties and bond forfeitures.
During National Crime Victims’ Rights Week, victim advocacy organizations, community groups and state, local and tribal agencies traditionally host rallies, candlelight vigils, and other events to raise awareness of victims’ rights and services. This year, many communities are organizing virtual gatherings and online public awareness campaigns.
This year’s commemoration began yesterday, 25 years to the day when a truck bomb exploded in front of the Alfred P. Murrah Federal Building in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, taking the lives of 168 people, including 19 children, as well as injuring hundreds of others. The mass murder remains the worst act of domestic terrorism in our nation’s history and led to the establishment of the Antiterrorism Emergency Reserve, which is administered by OVC, and has been used to provide direct services to hundreds of victims of mass violence and terrorism.
“Crime victims deserve to know that they have the encouragement and support of the American people,” said OVC Director Jessica E. Hart. “I hope that citizens throughout the nation will take the opportunity this week to remember all victims of crime and their heroic stories of survival. I encourage everyone to also find meaningful ways to express their appreciation to the many committed and compassionate service providers across the country who work tirelessly supporting these survivors.”
This year, the annual National Crime Victims’ Service Awards Ceremony will be postponed until a time when we can honor this year’s award recipients in person. During the ceremony, OVC will present awards recognizing individuals and organizations from across the nation for their outstanding service on behalf of crime victims. The awardees will be selected from public nominations in 11 categories, including federal service, special courage, public policy, and victim services. Visit www.ovc.gov/gallery to learn more about past recipients.
For more information on how to create your own public campaigns to raise awareness about crime victims’ rights online and at events throughout the year, please visit: https://ovc.ncjrs.gov/ncvrw2020/overview.html.
U.S. Attorney Urges the Public to Report Suspected COVID-19 FraudRead the Press Release
HONOLULU, Hawaii – U.S. Attorney Kenji M. Price for the District of Hawaii today urged the public to report suspected fraud schemes related to COVID-19 (the Coronavirus) by calling the National Center for Disaster Fraud (NCDF) hotline (1-866-720-5721) or to the NCDF e-mail address [email protected].
In coordination with the Department of Justice, Attorney General William Barr has directed U.S. Attorneys to prioritize the investigation and prosecution of Coronavirus fraud schemes.
“While our communities respond to the spread of COVID-19, some folks may try to profit by capitalizing on perceived vulnerabilities created by a national emergency. The community should know that my office is committed to holding anyone who commits crimes related to COVID-19 accountable for their conduct. Whether these criminals sell fake cures for COVID-19 online, send phishing emails from entities posing as the World Health Organization or Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, or engage in other types of criminal conduct related to COVID-19, we are committed to enforcing the law and protecting the public,” stated U.S. Attorney Price.
Some examples of these schemes include:
- Individuals and businesses selling fake cures for COVID-19 online and engaging in other forms of fraud.
- Phishing emails from entities posing as the World Health Organization or the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
- Malicious websites and apps that appear to share Coronavirus-related information to gain and lock access to your devices until payment is received.
- Seeking donations fraudulently for illegitimate or non-existent charitable organizations.
- Medical providers obtaining patient information for COVID-19 testing and then using that information to fraudulently bill for other tests and procedures.
In a memorandum to U.S. Attorneys issued March 19, Deputy Attorney General Jeffrey Rosen also directed each U.S. Attorney to appoint a Coronavirus Fraud Coordinator to serve as the legal counsel for the federal judicial district on matters relating to the Coronavirus, direct the prosecution of Coronavirus-related crimes, and to conduct outreach and awareness activities. The District of Hawaii Coronavirus Fraud Coordinator is Assistant U.S. Attorney Gregg Yates.
The NCDF can receive and enter complaints into a centralized system that can be accessed by all U.S. Attorneys, as well as Justice Department litigating and law enforcement components to identify, investigate and prosecute fraud schemes. The NCDF coordinates complaints with 16 additional federal law enforcement agencies, as well as state Attorneys General and local authorities.
To find more about Department of Justice resources and information, please visit www.justice.gov/coronavirus.
Maui Man Sentenced to over Six Years in Prison for Illegal Possession of FirearmsRead the Press Release
HONOLULU, Hawaii – Ikaika Reinhardt, 38, of Maui County, was sentenced today in federal court by Chief United States District Judge J. Michael Seabright to 75 months of imprisonment, and five years of supervised release for receipt of firearms while under indictment and possession of firearms in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime.
US Attorney for the District of Hawaii Kenji M. Price announced that, according to court documents and information presented in court, on March 7, 2019, Reinhardt traded methamphetamine for two stolen firearms while he was under indictment for state felonies. In addition, Reinhardt illegally possessed two other firearms, one of which was semiautomatic that had a large capacity magazine loaded with ammunition.
The case was investigated by the Maui Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives investigated the case. It was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Darren W.K. Ching.
This prosecution is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program that brings together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. The Department of Justice reinvigorated PSN in 2017 as part of its renewed focus on targeting violent criminals, directing all U.S. Attorney’s Offices to work in partnership with federal, state, local, and tribal law enforcement and the local community to develop effective, locally-based strategies to reduce violent crime.
This case is also part of Project Guardian, the Department of Justice’s signature initiative to reduce gun violence and enforce federal firearms laws. Initiated by the Attorney General in the fall of 2019, Project Guardian draws upon the Department’s past successful programs to reduce gun violence; enhances coordination of federal, state, local, and tribal authorities in investigating and prosecuting gun crimes; improves information-sharing by the ATF when a prohibited individual attempts to purchase a firearm and is denied by the National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS), to include taking appropriate actions when a prospective purchaser is denied by the NICS for mental health reasons; and ensures that federal resources are directed at the criminals posing the greatest threat to our communities. The United States Attorney’s Office has prosecuted this case with support from the following Project Guardian partners: the ATF and the MPD. For more information about Project Guardian, please click here.
Man Sentenced to Ten Years in Prison for Attempted Sexual Enticement of MinorsRead the Press Release
HONOLULU, Hawaii – Michael David Kirk, 31, a former Navy sailor, was sentenced today in federal court by Chief United States District Judge J. Michael Seabright to 120 months in prison and 15 years of supervised release for attempted sexual enticement of three minor females on a social media application. As part of his sentence, he will also pay a $5,000 special assessment under the Justice for Victims of Trafficking Act of 2015. Kirk will also be required to register as a sex offender. He pled guilty to this crime on November 13, 2019.
U.S. Attorney for the District of Hawaii Kenji M. Price announced that, according to court documents and information presented in court, in March 2019, Kirk corresponded on a social media application with an individual whom he believed was a woman, and arranged a meeting so that he could engage in sexual activity with her three young children, ages 6, 9, and 11 years old. Kirk was later identified and arrested.
The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and Attorney General’s Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force. It was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Morgan Early.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by U.S. Attorney’s 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 www.justice.gov/psc.
Federal Jury Convicts Man of Wire and Mail Fraud in Connection with Fraudulent Mortgage Debt Reduction SchemeRead the Press Release
HONOLULU, Hawaii – A federal jury yesterday found Anthony T. Williams, 48, of Nashville, Tennessee guilty of 32 counts of wire and mail fraud. The verdict followed a four-week trial before United States District Judge Leslie E. Kobayashi. Sentencing is scheduled for June 24, 2020
According to the evidence presented at trial, Williams marketed a fraudulent mortgage debt reduction scheme to distressed homeowners, who were mostly non-native English speakers in the Filipino immigrant community in Hawaii. Williams created two companies, Mortgage Enterprise Investments (MEI) and Common Law Office of America (CLOA), neither of which was licensed to service or modify mortgages. Through MEI, Williams made conflicting promises to clients that he could eliminate their existing mortgage obligations to their lenders, or reduce their mortgage obligations by half. Through CLOA, Williams promised legal representation in mortgage-related litigation and foreclosure proceedings. To give himself the appearance of credibility, Williams told prospective clients he was a “private attorney general” and brandished an official-looking law enforcement badge and credentials, despite not having a law license or any affiliation with law enforcement.
The evidence at trial demonstrated that Williams falsely promised victims that he could eliminate their existing home mortgage obligations by filing bogus documents with the Hawaii Bureau of Conveyances. These documents included new MEI mortgages and notes obligating homeowners to make monthly payments to MEI. Williams then advised homeowners to stop making their mortgage payments to their lenders and to pay him instead.
The government presented evidence that between 2012 and 2015,Williams enlisted 112 victims in Hawaii into his MEI program and fraudulently obtained over $218,000. Furthermore, several victims testified at trial that they relied upon Williams’s representations and went into foreclosure as a result of the MEI program and lost their homes.
The investigation was led by the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Kenneth M. Sorenson and Gregg Paris Yates handled the prosecution.
Sitting Kauai County Councilmember and Eleven Others Charged with Participation in a Drug Trafficking OrganizationRead the Press Release
KAUAI, Hawaii – Kenji M. Price, the United States Attorney for the District of Hawaii, Jonathan E. Blais, Special Agent in Charge of the Seattle Field Division of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (“ATF”), Todd Raybuck, Chief of the Kauai Police Department (“KPD”), and Lucia Cabral-Dearmas, Department of Homeland Security, Homeland Security Investigations, Honolulu Office (“HSI”) announced the unsealing of an Indictment today charging ARTHUR BRUN, and 11 other defendants with conspiring to distribute methamphetamine. The Indictment also charges substantive drug trafficking offenses, an assault on a federal law enforcement officer, witness tampering, evidence tampering, and firearm offenses. As alleged in the Indictment, BRUN participated in these offenses while serving as an elected member of the Kauai County Council.
Eleven of the defendants were arrested yesterday and will be arraigned in federal court later today before the Honorable Rom Trader, United States Magistrate Judge. The twelfth defendant, ORLANDO MANGUCHEI, was already in federal custody serving a sentence for violating the terms of supervised release.
As alleged in the Indictment unsealed yesterday[1]:
From at least June 2019, and continuing to in or about January 2020, ARTHUR BRUN, aka “Ata,” MALUELUE UMU, aka “Malu,” KELVIN KAUWILA KAI, aka “Kauwila,” STEVEN KELIIKULI, KANIU HUIHUI, SHEENA MILLARE, EFREN YANOS, KIRSTEN MAKANOE AYAU, aka “Makanoe,” ORLANDO MANGUCHEI, aka “Ole,” ROBBY SILVA, HAIDEE SUEYASU, and PHRYSTAL BACIO, the defendants, and others known and unknown, conspired to distribute and possess with intent to distribute a mixture and substance containing a detectable amount of methamphetamine.
BRUN ran this drug trafficking conspiracy while, at the same time, serving as an elected member of the Kauai County Council and the Vice Chair of its Public Safety & Human Services Committee. One of BRUN’s suppliers of methamphetamine was UMU, who was a “shot caller,” or leader, of the United Samoan Organization, a gang that operates both inside and outside of the prison system in the State of Hawaii.
On or about October 29, 2019, BRUN assaulted a state law enforcement officer who was acting in cooperation with and under the control of federal officers. BRUN committed this assault during a traffic stop in an effort to conceal methamphetamine that he had in his possession at the time. The officer asked BRUN to get out of his car and gave him other instructions. Instead of complying with the officer’s commands, BRUN placed the vehicle in drive and sped off, injuring the police officer, who had his hand and shoulder in the car as he tried to remove the keys from the ignition. BRUN then led the police on a high speed chase during which he threw a backpack containing approximately one pound of methamphetamine out of the car.
After the assault, BRUN made efforts to conceal the methamphetamine to avoid its use in any official proceeding by attempting to corruptly persuade another person to provide false information to the KPD about the ownership of the backpack.
Multiple defendants possessed or conspired to possess firearms or ammunition. In January 2020, KELIIKULI possessed a Smith and Wesson .38 Special, and six rounds of ammunition, after having been convicted of a felony. Also in January 2020, SILVA possessed various sizes, calibers, and types of ammunition after having been convicted of a felony. In about October 2019, BRUN conspired to supply a firearm and ammunition to MANGUCHEI, despite both men having previously been convicted of a felony.
* * *
Charts containing the name, ages, charges, and maximum penalties for the defendants are set forth below. The maximum potential sentences in this case are prescribed by Congress and are provided here for informational purposes only, as any sentencing of the defendants will be determined by the judge.
U.S. Attorney Price praised the outstanding investigative work of the ATF, KPD, and HSI. He also thanked the United States Marshals Service Fugitive Task Force, the Federal Bureau of Investigations, the United States Postal Inspection Service, and the Coast Guard Investigative Service for their assistance.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Sean Van Demark and Micah Smith are handling the prosecution.
The charges contained in the Indictment are merely accusations, and the defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
COUNT CHARGE DEFENDANT(S) MAX. PENALTIES 1 Drug trafficking conspiracy
21 U.S.C. § 846 ARTHUR BRUN (48)
MALUELUE UMU (50)
KELVIN KAUWILA KAI (38)
STEVEN KELIIKULI (50)
KANIU HUIHUI (39)
SHEENA MILLARE (37)
EFREN YANOS (57)
KIRSTEN MAKANOE AYAU (36)
ORLANDO MANGUCHEI (48)
ROBBY SILVA (57)
HAIDEE SUEYASU (43)
PHRYSTAL BACIO (37) Life in prison
Mandatory minimum of 10 years in prison 2 Distribution of methamphetamine
21 U.S.C. §§ 841(a)(1) and 841(b)(1)(C) ARTHUR BRUN
SHEENA MILLARE 20 years in prison 3 Attempted possession of methamphetamine with intent to distribute
21 U.S.C. §§ 841(a)(1), 841(b)(1)(B), and 846 ARTHUR BRUN
KANIU HUIHUI 40 years in prison
Mandatory minimum of five years in prison 4 Possession of methamphetamine with intent to distribute
21 U.S.C. §§ 841(a)(1) and 841(b)(1)(A) ARTHUR BRUN
MALUELUE UMU Mandatory minimum of 10 years in prison 5 Assault of a Federal Law Enforcement Officer
18 U.S.C. §§ 111(a)(1) and 111(b) ARTHUR BRUN 20 years in prison 6 Obstruction of Justice through Evidence Tampering
18 U.S.C. § 1512(c)(1) ARTHUR BRUN
KELVIN KAUWILA KAI 20 years in prison 7 Distribution of methamphetamine
21 U.S.C. §§ 841(a)(1) and 841(b)(1)(C) ARTHUR BRUN 20 years in prison 8 Distribution of methamphetamine
21 U.S.C. §§ 841(a)(1) and 841(b)(1)(C) ARTHUR BRUN 20 years in prison 9 Obstruction of Justice through Witness Tampering
18 U.S.C. § 1512(b)(3) ARTHUR BRUN 20 years in prison 10 Felon in Possession of a Firearm and Ammunition
18 U.S.C. § 922(g)(1) STEVEN KELIIKULI 10 years in prison 11 Possession of methamphetamine with intent to distribute
21 U.S.C. §§ 841(a)(1) and 841(b)(1)(B) ROBBY SILVA 40 years in prison
Mandatory minimum of five years in prison 12 Felon in Possession of Ammunition
18 U.S.C. § 922(g)(1) ROBBY SILVA 10 years in prison 13 Conspiracy to Possess Firearm and Ammunition as Felons
18 U.S.C. § 371 ARTHUR BRUN
ORLANDO MANGUCHEI 5 years in prison_________________
[1] As the introductory phrase signifies, the entirety of the text of the Indictment is merely an accusation and that the defendant(s) are presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.
Jury Finds Man Guilty of Attempted Enticement of A MinorRead the Press Release
HONOLULU, Hawaii – A federal jury today found Nolan Nishida, 37, of Wailuku, Hawaii, guilty of attempted enticement of a minor in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 2442(b). The verdict followed a three-day trial before Senior United States District Judge Susan Oki Mollway. Sentencing is scheduled for June 15, 2020.
According to the information presented during trial, on October 11, 2017, Nishida exchanged messages with an individual whom he believed was a 14 year-old girl. He made arrangements to meet the girl for sex, and drove to meet up with her. Instead of meeting the girl, he was arrested.
The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Maui Police Department. It was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Morgan Early and Margaret Nammar.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by U.S. Attorney’s 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 www.justice.gov/psc.
# # #
Tank vessel operator convicted of unlawful discharge of bilge waste, sentenced to $1.75 million fineRead the Press Release
HONOLULU, Hawaii – Bernhard Schulte Shipmanagement (Singapore) PTE LTD. (“Bernhard”), a vessel operating company, pleaded guilty today in federal court to one count of maintaining false and incomplete records relating to the discharge of bilge waste from the tank vessel Topaz Express, a felony violation of the Act to Prevent Pollution from Ships, 33 U.S.C. § 1908(a), announced Assistant Attorney General Jeffrey Bossert Clark and United States Attorney for the District of Hawaii Kenji M. Price.
U.S. District Judge Derrick K. Watson accepted the guilty plea. Chief Engineer Skenda Reddy and vessel Second Engineer Padmanaban Samirajan previously pled guilty to their involvement in the offense.
Judge Watson imposed a total fine of $1,750,000 and a four-year term of probation. This is the largest fine ever imposed in the District of Hawaii for this type of offense. Bernhard further must implement a robust Environmental Compliance Plan, which applies to all 38 tank vessels operated by the company that call on U.S. ports.
According to court documents and information presented in court, the defendants illegally dumped bilge waste from the Topaz Express directly into the ocean, without properly processing it through pollution prevention equipment. Bilge waste typically contains oil contamination from the operation and cleaning of machinery on the vessel. The defendants admitted that these illegal discharges were not recorded in the vessel’s oil record book as required by law. Specifically, on three separate occasions between May and July 2019, Bernhard, acting through Chief Engineer Reddy and Second Engineer Samirajan, its employees, used a portable pneumatic pump and hose to bypass the ship’s pollution prevention equipment and discharge bilge waste directly into the ocean. They then failed to record the improper overboard discharges in the vessel’s oil record book. Additionally, during the U.S. Coast Guard’s inspection of the Topaz Express, Reddy destroyed paper sounding sheets and altered a copy of the vessel’s electronic sounding log, in an effort to conceal how much bilge waste had been discharged overboard without being processed through the vessel’s pollution prevention equipment.
“The Environment and Natural Resources Division of the Department of Justice is charged with enforcing federal and international laws designed to protect our oceans from pollutants,” said Assistant Attorney General Jeffrey Bossert Clark of the Justice Department’s Environment and Natural Resources Division. “Under those laws, vessel operators are required to either properly treat their bilge waste onboard before discharging it into the sea or offload their bilge waste to disposal facilities. This case should serve as a deterrent to individuals and companies that flout our laws and pollute our oceans.”
“Prosecutions like this one are important because, by holding companies accountable for the harm they cause to the ocean’s ecosystem, we do our part to protect the planet and its finite resources. In Hawaii, we are surrounded by the beauty of the Pacific Ocean, and companies that intentionally damage the ocean’s ecosystem must be held accountable for their criminal conduct,” stated U.S. Attorney Price. “My office will continue to bring to justice companies that illegally discharge bilge waste into the ocean and then attempt to conceal their misconduct.”
“This case was built on the hard work of Coast Guard inspectors and investigators and we appreciate the strong partnership with the Department of Justice to hold polluters accountable,” said Captain Arex Avanni, commander, Coast Guard Sector Honolulu. “All vessel owners and operators are responsible for maintaining their vessels and preventing illegal discharges of oily wastes into the ocean. We are committed to the people of Hawaii to protect our waters and the Pacific Ocean from the damage caused by pollution from illegal dumping.”
This case was investigated by the U.S. Coast Guard Sector Honolulu, and the U.S. Coast Guard Investigative Service. The case is being prosecuted by Trial Attorney Stephen Da Ponte of the Environment and Natural Resources Division’s Environmental Crimes Section and Assistant U.S. Attorney Marc A. Wallenstein of the U.S. Attorney's Office for the District of Hawaii.
Tank Vessel Operator Convicted of Unlawful Discharge of Bilge Waste, Agrees to Pay $1.75 Million FineRead the Press Release
Bernhard Schulte Shipmanagement (Singapore) PTE LTD. (Bernhard), a vessel operating company, pleaded guilty today in federal court to one count of maintaining false and incomplete records relating to the discharge of bilge waste from the tank vessel Topaz Express, a felony violation of the Act to Prevent Pollution from Ships.
U.S. District Judge Derrick K. Watson of the District of Hawaii accepted the guilty plea. Chief Engineer Skenda Reddy and vessel Second Engineer Padmanaban Samirajan previously pled guilty to their involvement in the offense.
Under the terms of the plea agreement, Bernhard will pay a total fine of $1,750,000 and serve a 4-year term of probation. This is the largest fine ever imposed in the District of Hawaii for this type of offense. Bernhard further must implement a robust Environmental Compliance Plan, which applies to all 38 vessels operated by the company that call on U.S. ports.
“The Environment and Natural Resources Division of the Department of Justice is charged with enforcing federal and international laws designed to protect our oceans from pollutants,” said Assistant Attorney General Jeffrey Bossert Clark of the Justice Department’s Environment and Natural Resources Division. “Under those laws, vessel operators are required to either properly treat their bilge waste onboard before discharging it into the sea or offload their bilge waste to disposal facilities. This case should serve as a deterrent to individuals and companies that flout our laws and pollute our oceans.”
“Prosecutions like this one are important because, by holding companies accountable for the harm they cause to the ocean’s ecosystem, we do our part to protect the planet and its finite resources. In Hawaii, we are surrounded by the beauty of the Pacific Ocean, and companies that intentionally damage the ocean’s ecosystem must be held accountable for their criminal conduct,” said U.S. Attorney Kenji M. Price. “My office will continue to bring to justice companies that illegally discharge bilge waste into the ocean and then attempt to conceal their misconduct.”
“This case was built on the hard work of Coast Guard inspectors and investigators and we appreciate the strong partnership with the Department of Justice to hold polluters accountable,” said Capt. Arex Avanni, commander, Coast Guard Sector Honolulu. “All vessel owners and operators are responsible for maintaining their vessels and preventing illegal discharges of oily wastes into the ocean. We are committed to the people of Hawaii to protect our waters and the Pacific Ocean from the damage caused by pollution from illegal dumping.”
According to court documents and information presented in court, the defendants illegally dumped bilge waste from the Topaz Express directly into the ocean, without properly processing it through pollution prevention equipment. Bilge waste typically contains oil contamination from the operation and cleaning of machinery on the vessel. The defendants admitted that these illegal discharges were not recorded in the vessel’s oil record book as required by law. Specifically, on three separate occasions between May and July 2019, Bernhard, acting through Chief Engineer Skenda Reddy and Second Engineer Padmanaban Samirajan, its employees, used a portable pneumatic pump and hose to bypass the ship’s pollution prevention equipment and discharge bilge waste directly into the ocean. They then failed to record the improper overboard discharges in the vessel’s oil record book.
Additionally, during the U.S. Coast Guard’s inspection of the Topaz Express, Reddy destroyed paper sounding sheets and altered a copy of the vessel’s electronic sounding log, in an effort to conceal how much bilge waste had been discharged overboard without being processed through the vessel’s pollution prevention equipment.
The U.S. Coast Guard Sector Honolulu and the U.S. Coast Guard Investigative Service investigated the case. Trial Attorney Stephen Da Ponte of the Environment and Natural Resources Division’s Environmental Crimes Section and Assistant U.S. Attorney Marc A. Wallenstein of the District of Hawaii are prosecuting the case.
The year 2020 marks the 150th anniversary of the Department of Justice. Learn more about the history of our agency at www.Justice.gov/Celebrating150Years.
Husband and wife sentenced to prison for conspiracy to defraud the IRS and commit money launderingRead the Press Release
HONOLULU, Hawaii – Steve Edwards, 73, and Melanie Edwards, 61, of St. George, Utah, were sentenced in federal court this week by Chief United States District Judge J. Michael Seabright for conspiracy to defraud the IRS and conspiracy to commit money laundering. Steve Edwards was sentenced yesterday to 36 months of imprisonment and three years of supervised release. Melanie Edwards was sentenced today to 30 months of imprisonment and three years of supervised release.
U.S. Attorney for the District of Hawaii Kenji M. Price announced that, according to court documents and information presented in court, the Edwards defrauded Koyo USA Corporation, a manufacturer of bottled water on Hawaii Island, for more than 10 years. They created sham pass-through companies and held those companies out to Koyo as if they were legitimate or actual manufactures, when in reality the companies were only resellers, with no employees, that only existed to take money from Koyo. During the fraud, the Edwards used fictitious names to communicate with employees of Koyo, lied about various departments that the sham companies purportedly had, and concealed from Koyo the fact that one of its upper level managers was an owner of the sham pass-through companies. During the fraud scheme, the Edwards laundered 3.7 million dollars in fraudulent proceeds. The Edwards also defrauded the IRS by filing false tax returns, submitting false books and records to their CPAs, and improperly classifying millions of dollars in distributions to the owners of the pass-through companies as consulting fees. Such conduct allowed the Edwards to evade paying $1,471,113 in taxes.
At sentencing, Chief Judge Seabright commented that the Edwards ran a sophisticated fraudulent scheme for more than ten years and that prison time was warranted for such conduct. Judge Seabright ordered the Edwards to pay $3,752,155.69 in restitution t0 Koyo USA Corporation and $1,471,113.00 in restitution to the IRS.
“Prosecutions like these send a message to those who line their pockets by defrauding companies and evading their federal tax obligations, and Defendants Melanie and Steve Edwards will appropriately have time to reflect upon their egregious conduct as they serve time in federal prison,” stated U.S. Attorney Price.
"Melanie and Steve Edwards engaged in a lengthy sophisticated theft and tax fraud scheme designed to satisfy their greed,” said IRS Criminal Investigation Special Agent in Charge Justin Campbell. "Today, they were held accountable for their shameful conduct."
The case was investigated by IRS-CI and the FBI. It was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael Nammar.
Former financial officer of Big Island charter school pleads guilty to wire fraudRead the Press Release
HONOLULU, Hawaii – Kelaukila Estabilio, 39, of Hilo, Hawaii, pleaded guilty today in federal court to one count of wire fraud by embezzling funds from the charter school where she worked. Sentencing is scheduled for May 19, 2020, before U.S. District Judge Derrick K. Watson.
U.S. Attorney Kenji M. Price for the District of Hawaii stated that according to court documents and information presented in court, from 2006 through January 2019, Estabilio worked for the Kua O Ka Lā Public Charter School. The charter school also had a financial support entity, Ho’oulu Lahui. Estabilio was the financial officer of the charter school and responsible for managing the books and records. From approximately 2012 through 2019, Estabilio misused the charter school’s funds to pay for her and her family’s personal credit card bills totaling around $628,835. Estabilio falsified the books and records of the charter school to conceal her embezzlement activities for years.
The case was investigated by the U.S. Secret Service and the State of Hawaii Attorney General’s Office. It is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Rebecca Perlmutter for the District of Hawaii.
Former union official sentenced to 30 months for identity theft and failure to file tax returnsRead the Press Release
HONOLULU, Hawaii – Nathan Y.G. Lum, 62, of Honolulu, Hawaii, was sentenced today in federal court by United States District Judge Derrick K. Watson to 30 months of imprisonment and one year of supervised release, and ordered to pay restitution in the amount of $314,178.27. On March 28, 2019, Lum pleaded guilty to aggravated identity theft in connection with theft of government funds and failure to file a tax return.
US Attorney for the District of Hawaii Kenji M. Price announced that, according to court documents and information presented in court, Lum was the former division director of the International Longshore and Warehouse Union Local 142, Longshore Division (ILWU). From 2011 through 2017, Lum willfully failed to file any federal or State of Hawaii tax returns that should have reported his income from the ILWU and other sources. In failing to do so, he failed to pay the IRS and State of Hawaii approximately $280,743.27 that he owed in taxes. In most years, Lum earned over $200,000.00 in gross pay from the ILWU. In addition, Lum failed to report approximately $90,000.00 in payments that he received personally from California-based Relativity Media company in 2012 and 2013 in connection with efforts to secure Hawaii tax credits from the State Legislature while he was an official of the ILWU.
Further, after Lum’s father passed away, between 2013 and 2016, Lum forged his father’s signature on over fifty checks that Lum wrote from his deceased father’s bank account and deposited into Lum’s personal account. In total, Lum obtained approximately $33,435.00 in his father’s Social Security benefits that Lum was not entitled to receive. Lum spent these funds on his personal expenses.
“The sentenced imposed today holds Lum accountable for his flagrant violation of federal law. It sends a message to all in Hawaii that no one in Hawaii, regardless of position or privilege, is above the law. Those who hold positions of trust, such as leaders of Hawaii’s public and private sector unions, are fully accountable for their conduct, and when they intentionally violate federal law, my Office will work with law enforcement to ensure that there are consequences.”
“Nathan Lum earned a significant income based partly on his criminal conduct and position of influence. He knew he had an obligation to file his income tax return, but chose not to,” said IRS-Criminal Investigation Special Agent in Charge Justin Campbell. “IRS-Criminal Investigation continues to pursue greedy individuals who fail to file and pay their fair share of tax.”
The case was investigated by the Internal Revenue Service Criminal Investigation, Department of Labor, Federal Bureau of Investigation, and the Social Security Administration Office of Inspector General. It was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Rebecca A. Perlmutter.
Maui burglar sentenced to 46 months of prison after pleading guilty to possession of stolen firearmsRead the Press Release
HONOLULU, Hawaii – Barret J. Paman, 32, of Maui County, was sentenced today in federal court by United States District Judge Jill A. Otake to 46 months of imprisonment, and three years of supervised release for possession of stolen firearms.
US Attorney for the District of Hawaii Kenji M. Price announced that, according to court documents and information presented in court, on March 7, 2019, Paman burglarized a residence on Waiehu Beach Road, Wailuku, Maui, stealing 19 firearms, a gun safe, and other items. The stolen firearms included a 12-gauge shotgun, three rifles, three pistols, and a rifle receiver. Paman provided these eight stolen firearms to other individuals for either methamphetamine or cash.
At sentencing, Judge Otake took into consideration the fact that Paman took the firearms from law-abiding citizens and sold or traded the stolen firearms to felons and drug dealers.
The case was investigated by the Maui Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. It was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Darren W.K. Ching.
This prosecution is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program that brings together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. The Department of Justice reinvigorated PSN in 2017 as part of its renewed focus on targeting violent criminals, directing all U.S. Attorney’s Offices to work in partnership with federal, state, local, and tribal law enforcement and the local community to develop effective, locally-based strategies to reduce violent crime.
This case is also part of Project Guardian, the Department of Justice’s signature initiative to reduce gun violence and enforce federal firearms laws. Initiated by the Attorney General in the fall of 2019, Project Guardian draws upon the Department’s past successful programs to reduce gun violence; enhances coordination of federal, state, local, and tribal authorities in investigating and prosecuting gun crimes; improves information-sharing by the ATF when a prohibited individual attempts to purchase a firearm and is denied by the National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS), to include taking appropriate actions when a prospective purchaser is denied by the NICS for mental health reasons; and ensures that federal resources are directed at the criminals posing the greatest threat to our communities. The United States Attorney’s Office has prosecuted this case with support from the following Project Guardian partners: the ATF and the MPD. For more information about Project Guardian, please click here.
United States seeks forfeiture of numerous real properties and over $200,000 connected with illegal gambling operationRead the Press Release
HONOLULU, Hawaii – On September 16, 2019, the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Hawaii filed a civil complaint seeking the forfeiture of two single-family residences, located at 1577 Hoolehua Street in Pearl City and 94-103 Pupupuhi Street in Waipahu, which were alleged to be operating as illegal game rooms. The next day, the U.S. Attorney for the District of Hawaii Kenji M. Price announced that 12 defendants had been charged in connection with the illegal gambling business at the two game rooms.
Today, U.S. Attorney Price announced the filing of an amended civil complaint, which seeks forfeiture of two additional real properties, over $200,000.00 in U.S. currency, and various other items connected to the illegal gambling operation.
According to the amended complaint, the additional real properties, which are located at 555 South Street and 2609 B Liliha Street in Honolulu, are residences of certain individuals involved in the illegal gambling operation. Both residences were used in the illegal gambling operation. For example, the amended complaint alleges that the Liliha Street property contained 24 illegal gaming machines, gaming machine equipment, and various ledgers, work schedules and other documents related to the illegal gambling operation. The 555 South Street property is additionally alleged to be forfeitable as it was purchased with illegal gambling proceeds.
The U.S. currency at issue includes over $70,000.00 seized from bank accounts held by Seng Cheong Lio, Seng Long Lio, Shi Hua Huang, and Shi Min Huang, which the amended complaint alleges is subject to forfeiture as property used in the illegal gambling operation, money laundering, and structuring.
The amended complaint alleges that, since at least 2016, the aforementioned individuals and others have been implicated in the operation of at least nine illegal game rooms.
U.S. Attorney Price said, “In addition to being illegal, the game rooms can bring violent crime and drugs to residential neighborhoods. We will continue to work with our law enforcement partners to curtail the presence of illegal game rooms in our community, including potentially seeking forfeiture of ownership interests in properties where such activity takes place.”
The amended complaint merely contains allegations. The United States will not own the properties unless and until a sufficient basis for forfeiture is proven in Court.
These cases are being investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, Federal Bureau of Investigation, Department of Homeland Security (Homeland Security Investigations), Hawaii High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area program (HIDTA), U.S. Marshals Service Hawaii Fugitive Task Force, and the Honolulu Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Micah Smith, Rachel Moriyama, Sara Ayabe, Jeremy Butler, Mohammed Khatib, and Sydney Spector are handling the cases.
Honolulu man charged with robberies, use of firearm during robbery, and carjackingRead the Press Release
HONOLULU, Hawaii – Kenji M. Price, U.S. Attorney for the District of Hawaii, announced that Moahengi Pakileata, 19, of Honolulu, Hawaii, made his initial appearance in federal court today after a criminal complaint filed on Friday, January 17, 2020, charged him with two robberies that interfered with commerce, the use a firearm during of one of the robberies, and a carjacking. A federal magistrate judge ordered him detained pending a detention hearing on January 24.
According to the criminal complaint, Pakileata and a second unidentified male robbed a 7-Eleven convenience store at gunpoint on August 11, 2019, and Pakileata robbed a second 7-Eleven convenience store on January 12, 2020. The criminal complaint further alleges that in the evening after the second robbery, on January 13, 2020, Pakileata committed a carjacking. As alleged, Pakileata, while wearing a security guard uniform, brandished a knife to take the vehicle of a student at the University of Hawaii at Manoa.
The charges in the complaint are merely allegations, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty. The robbery and carjacking charges carry maximum terms of 20 and 15 years imprisonment, respectively, and maximum fines of $250,000 each. The firearm charge carries a seven-year mandatory minimum term of imprisonment, which must run consecutively to any other sentence imposed.
The case is being investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) and the Honolulu Police Department (HPD). Assistant U.S. Attorney Sean Van Demark is handling the prosecution.
This prosecution is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program that brings together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. The Department of Justice reinvigorated PSN in 2017 as part of its renewed focus on targeting violent criminals, directing all U.S. Attorney’s Offices to work in partnership with federal, state, local, and tribal law enforcement and the local community to develop effective, locally-based strategies to reduce violent crime.
This case is also part of Project Guardian, the Department of Justice’s signature initiative to reduce gun violence and enforce federal firearms laws. Initiated by the Attorney General in the fall of 2019, Project Guardian draws upon the Department’s past successful programs to reduce gun violence; enhances coordination of federal, state, local, and tribal authorities in investigating and prosecuting gun crimes; improves information-sharing by the ATF when a prohibited individual attempts to purchase a firearm and is denied by the National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS), to include taking appropriate actions when a prospective purchaser is denied by the NICS for mental health reasons; and ensures that federal resources are directed at the criminals posing the greatest threat to our communities. The United States Attorney’s Office has prosecuted this case with support from the following Project Guardian partners: the ATF, the HPD, and the City and County of Honolulu Department of the Prosecuting Attorney. For more information about Project Guardian, please see https://www.justice.gov/opa/pr/attorney-general-william-p-barr-announces-launch-project-guardian-nationwide-strategic-plan
Washington man charged with aggravated sexual abuse of a minor under age 12Read the Press Release
HONOLULU, Hawaii – Shawn M. Wilcher, 37, of Tacoma, Washington, was indicted by a federal grand jury today with aggravated sexual abuse of a minor under the age of 12 in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 2241(c). The abuse occurred at Hickam Air Force Base, which is within federal jurisdiction in the District of Hawaii. Wilcher lived on this military base between 2015 and 2018 when he committed the offense. He was previously charged federally in the Western District of Washington for related offenses against the same minor. Kenji M. Price, U.S. Attorney for the District of Hawaii, made the announcement.
An indictment is merely an allegation, and a defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law. If convicted of the charges, Wilcher faces a mandatory minimum sentence of 30 years in prison.
The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, and is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Morgan Early.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by U.S. Attorney’s 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 www.justice.gov/psc.
Former HUD employee sentenced to 66 months in prison for fraud and identity theftRead the Press Release
HONOLULU, Hawaii –Chun Mei Tong, 43, of Honolulu, was sentenced today in federal court by Chief United States District Judge J. Michael Seabright to 66 months of imprisonment, approximately $207,000 in a forfeiture money judgment, $207,000 in restitution, and 3 years of supervised release for wire fraud and aggravated identity theft. She was convicted of five counts of wire fraud and three counts of aggravated identity theft after a jury trial on August 26 - September 5, 2019.
As a former employee of the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (“HUD”), Tong was prohibited from participating in the Housing Choice Voucher Program (also known as the “Section 8 Program”), and from engaging in the business of real estate. The evidence presented at trial demonstrated that from 2014 to 2019, Tong used an alias to act as property manager and landlord for five properties she rented to Section 8 voucher holders. Tong covered up her ownership of two of the properties and forged the signatures of the owners of three of the properties to ensure that all of the HUD funds paid to the landlord went directly to her company’s bank account. She received more than $207,000 from HUD as part of her scheme.
In sentencing Tong, Judge Seabright stated that he was “troubled” by the “ease with which Ms. Tong lies,” particularly when she took the witness stand at trial and her “brazen conduct and brazen lies” “throughout the entire process.” The court explained that Tong “went to great lengths to hide her involvement” in the HUD scheme by forging documents and using aliases, among other efforts.
Kenji M. Price, United States Attorney, said, “My office will continue to combat fraud in federally funded programs from defendants like Tong, who use their position as government employees to defraud the government and vulnerable victims in our communities, and, in doing so, illicitly line their pockets with taxpayer funds. Tong, and defendants like her, think they will find prosperity by taking advantage of their positions. Tong, and the like, are mistaken. What they will find is our office holding them accountable for their greed.”
“One of the primary goals of the Department of Housing and Urban Development, Office of Inspector General is to reduce fraud and abuse in HUD’s rental assistance programs. This responsibility is magnified when a HUD employee uses her position to perpetrate such fraud. The public should have confidence that its servants oversee federal programs with the utmost integrity; the significance of this sentencing reflects the importance of ensuring that pubic trust,” stated Acting Special Agent in Charge Michael Gibson.
The case was investigated by HUD’s Office of Inspector General. It was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Rebecca A. Perlmutter and Morgan Early.
Domestic violence offenders plead guiltyRead the Press Release
HONOLULU, Hawaii – U.S. Attorney Kenji M. Price for the District of Hawaii announced two important guilty pleas:
-David Benjamin Cordeiro, 37, of Mountain View, Hawaii, pleaded guilty today in federal court to one count of possessing ammunition after having been previously convicted of misdemeanor domestic violence under Hawaii State law, in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 922(g)(9). Sentencing is scheduled for April 22, 2020 before U.S. District Judge Leslie E. Kobayashi. According to court documents and information presented in court, on September 1, 2018, Cordeiro possessed multiple rounds of ammunition, which he fired into a stopped car that an adult female was driving, while she was in the driver’s seat. Cordeiro had previously been convicted of domestic violence against an intimate partner, in violation of Hawaii Revised Statutes § 709-906 (Abuse of Family or Household Members). In light of his prior domestic violence conviction, federal law prohibited Cordeiro from possessing firearms or ammunition.
-Austin Borja-Haumea, 24, of Kekaha, Hawaii, pleaded guilty today in federal court to one count of possessing a firearm while being subject to an active Order for Protection, in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 922(g)(8). Sentencing is scheduled for April 15, 2020 before U.S. District Judge Leslie E. Kobayashi. According to court documents and information presented in court, on February 18, 2018, Borja-Haumea possessed an unloaded shotgun while seated in a car on Kaua’i. Borja-Haumea was prohibited from possessing a firearm because he was subject to an Order for Protection that had been filed by a family member due to domestic violence.
“These prosecutions are examples of the federal law enforcement community holding individuals accountable for possessing firearms and ammunition, when federal law expressly prohibits them from doing so. Law enforcement officials will continue to protect our communities by sending a strong enforcement message to prior offenders who have no business possessing a firearm or ammunition.”
The case against Cordeiro was investigated by the Hawaii County Police Department and the Federal Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF). It was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Morgan Early.
The case against Borja-Haumea was investigated by the Kaua’i County Police Department and ATF. It was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Sean Van Demark.
These prosecutions are part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program that brings together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. The Department of Justice reinvigorated PSN in 2017 as part of its renewed focus on targeting violent criminals, directing all U.S. Attorney’s Offices to work in partnership with federal, state, local, and tribal law enforcement and the local community to develop effective, locally-based strategies to reduce violent crime.
Honolulu Police Officer Pleads Guilty to Civil Rights OffensesRead the Press Release
John Rabago, 43, of Honolulu, Hawaii, pleaded guilty yesterday before U.S. District Judge Leslie E. Kobayashi to one count of conspiring to deprive a person of his civil rights, and one count of acting under color of law to deprive the same individual of his civil rights.
“As a police officer sworn to uphold and defend the laws of our nation, Rabago abused his authority and violated an individual’s constitutional rights,” said Assistant Attorney General Eric Dreiband for the Civil Rights Division. “This abuse of authority was unacceptable, and the Department of Justice will continue to vigorously prosecute law enforcement officers who commit civil rights offenses.”
“Officer Rabago violated his obligation to serve, not victimize, the public,” said U.S. Attorney Kenji M. Price for the District of Hawaii. “My office will continue to hold law enforcement officers like him accountable for criminal conduct that undermines the well-deserved respect that many of our law enforcement officials earn on a day-to-day basis in Hawaii.”
“Sadly, this officer abused his authority and violated the trust of the public he had been sworn to serve. But our community must remain confident that no one is above the law and the FBI investigates these matters vigorously. When officials violate the public’s trust, they undermine the hard work of all law enforcement officers here in Hawai’i and across the nation," said Special Agent in Charge Eli S. Miranda of the FBI’s Honolulu Field Office.
According to court documents, on Jan. 28, 2018, Rabago, a police officer with the Honolulu Police Department, was on duty when he conspired with another officer to force an individual to lick a urinal in a public bathroom.
Rabago’s co-defendant, former HPD officer Reginald Ramones, 43, pleaded guilty to misprision of a felony on Sept. 25, 2019. As part of that guilty plea, Ramones admitted that he was aware that Rabago committed a federal felony on Jan. 28, 2018, but Ramones failed to notify federal authorities of Rabago’s illegal conduct. Ramones further admitted that he was present for a separate and unrelated incident prior to January 2018 in which Rabago made another individual place his head in a public bathroom toilet in order to avoid arrest.
The conspiracy charge carries a maximum penalty of ten years imprisonment and a $250,000 fine; and the deprivation of rights under color of law charge carries a maximum penalty of one-year imprisonment and a $100,000 fine.
This case was investigated by the Honolulu Division of the FBI. It is being prosecuted by Trial Attorney Timothy Visser of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division and Assistant U.S. Attorney Thomas Brady for the District of Hawaii.
Former college student pleads guilty to threatening professorsRead the Press Release
HONOLULU, Hawaii – Neill Ong Tumulac, 27, of Honolulu, Hawaii, pleaded guilty today in federal court to one count of transmitting a threat in interstate commerce. Sentencing is scheduled for April 9, 2020 before U.S. District Judge Leslie E. Kobayashi.
U.S. Attorney Kenji M. Price for the District of Hawaii stated that according to court documents and information presented in court, from February 2018 to October 2018, Tumulac sent hundreds of threatening email messages to two of his professors at a local community college. The threats escalated and Tumulac threatened to murder one of the professors. The professors believed that they were potential targets of violence, and obtained temporary restraining orders against Tumulac. The professors suffered significant stress, anxiety, and one of them stopped teaching because of the threats.
Tumulac was declared incompetent to stand trial on April 3, 2019, and was sent to a facility on the mainland for rehabilitation. After receiving mental health treatment and responding favorably, Tumulac returned to Hawaii and was declared competent to stand trial on December 3, 2019. As part of his plea agreement, Tumulac acknowledged that he is in need of mental health treatment, and agreed that a condition of his supervised release shall require him to meaningfully participate in such treatment, including by cooperating with his treating physicians and taking any prescribed medications. According to information presented in court, Tumulac plans to re-enroll in college on the mainland following his release, with the support of his parents, who plan to reside with him.
The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation. It was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Marc A. Wallenstein.
Former police officer pleads guilty to attempted unlawful sexual enticement of a 13-year-old boyRead the Press Release
HONOLULU, Hawaii – James Dean Kalani Goeas, 63, of Waipahu, Hawaii, pleaded guilty today in federal court to one count of using a facility in interstate commerce to knowingly attempt to entice an individual who has not attained the age of 18 years to engage in unlawful sexual activity. Sentencing is scheduled for April 9, 2020 before Senior U.S. District Judge Helen Gillmor.
U.S. Attorney Kenji M. Price for the District of Hawaii stated that according to court documents and information presented in court, on March 23, 2019 and March 24, 2019, Goeas engaged in a series of online chats and telephonic text sessions with an undercover agent acting in the role of a 13-year-old male. During their conversations, Goeas arranged to meet the underage male at Maukalani Park with the intent to engage in sexual activity. Upon arrival at the park on March 24, Goeas was arrested and agents located both condoms and lubricating gel in his vehicle. After law enforcement officers arrested him, Goeas admitted that, on multiple prior occasions, he had engaged in unlawful sexual conduct with young teenage minor males.
“These prosecutions demonstrate our continued commitment to holding those who attempt to sexually exploit our young people responsible for their egregious behavior. We will continue to seek justice in these cases to the fullest extent of the law,” stated U.S. Attorney Price.
The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the State of Hawaii Attorney General’s Office. It was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Ken Sorenson.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by U.S. Attorney’s 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 www.justice.gov/psc.
Former U.S. Army Range Director Pleads Guilty in Bribery SchemeRead the Press Release
A former senior U.S. Army civilian employee pleaded guilty yesterday to conspiracy to accept over $100,000 in bribes while serving as the director of the range at Hawaii’s Schofield Barracks and to a related firearms offense.
Assistant Attorney General Brian A. Benczkowski of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division, U.S. Attorney Kenji M. Price for the District of Hawaii, Special Agent in Charge Ray Park of the Pacific Field Office for the U.S. Army Criminal Investigation Command (Army-CID), Special Agent in Charge Bryan Denny of the Defense Criminal Investigative Service's (DCIS) Western Field Office and Special Agent in Charge Eli S. Miranda of FBI’s Honolulu Field Office made the announcement.
Victor Garo, 67, of Mililani, Hawaii, pleaded guilty before Chief Judge J. Michael Seabright of the District of Hawaii to a two-count information charging him with one count of conspiracy to commit bribery and one count of illegally transporting firearms across state lines. Sentencing is scheduled for March 2020 before Chief Judge Seabright.
According to admissions in his plea agreement, from 2011 through 2018, while employed as the range director at Schofield Barracks in Oahu, Garo accepted over $100,000 worth of bribes—including in cash, automobiles and firearms—from an employee of a federal contractor that sought and received business from the U.S. Army. In return, Garo used his position to benefit the contractor in securing U.S. Army contracts, he admitted.
Garo is the second public official and third individual to plead guilty as a result of an ongoing investigation into fraud and bribery at Schofield Barracks.
Army-CID, DCIS and the FBI investigated this case with assistance from the Defense Contract Audit Agency. Trial Attorney Laura Connelly and Assistant Chief Justin Weitz of the Criminal Division’s Fraud Section and Assistant U.S. Attorney Marc Wallenstein of the District for Hawaii are prosecuting the case.
Former U.S. Army range director pleads guilty to conspiracyRead the Press Release
HONOLULU, Hawaii – Victor Garo, 67, of Mililani, Hawaii, pleaded guilty today in federal court to one count of conspiracy to accept over $100,000 in bribes and one count of illegally transporting firearms across state lines. Garo admitted that he helped steer federal contracts worth more than $18 million to a contractor. Sentencing is scheduled for March 2020 before Chief U.S. District Judge J. Michael Seabright.
Assistant Attorney General Brian A. Benczkowski of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division, U.S. Attorney Kenji M. Price for the District of Hawaii, Special Agent in Charge Ray Park of the U.S. Army Criminal Investigation Command (Army CID), Special Agent in Charge Bryan Denny of the U.S. Defense Criminal Investigative Service (DCIS) and Special Agent in Charge Eli S. Miranda of FBI’s Honolulu Field Office made the announcement.
U.S. Attorney Price stated that according to court documents and information presented in court, from 2011 to 2018, Garo, while employed as the range director at Schofield Barracks in Hawaii, accepted over $100,000 worth of bribes from an employee of a federal contractor that sought and received business from the U.S. Army. The bribes included cash, automobiles, and firearms. In return, Garo used his position to benefit the contractor in securing U.S. Army contracts. Garo is the third public official to plead guilty as a result of an ongoing investigation into fraud and bribery at Schofield Barracks.
The case was investigated by Army CID, DCIS, FBI, and the Defense Contract Audit Agency. It was prosecuted by Trial Attorney Laura Connelly and Assistant Chief Justin Weitz of the Criminal Division’s Fraud Section and Assistant U.S. Attorney Marc Wallenstein for the District of Hawaii.
Convicted felon sentenced to 13 years for methamphetamine and firearm chargesRead the Press Release
HONOLULU– Brian Ancho, 41, was sentenced today in federal court by Senior United States District Judge Susan Oki Mollway to 13 years of imprisonment for possession with intent to distribute 33 grams of methamphetamine, being a felon in possession of firearms and ammunition, and carrying firearms during and in relation to a drug trafficking crime.
According to court documents and information presented in court, on March 4, 2019, Ancho crashed his vehicle minutes after fleeing a traffic stop. Honolulu Police Department (HPD) officers responded to Moanalua Community Park, but Ancho, on supervised release from a prior felony gun conviction, had abandoned his vehicle. HPD officers located Ancho concealing himself in the Moanalua Stream and arrested him. Thereafter, two loaded firearms were found near him, along with a backpack filled with small plastic baggies, two scales, and methamphetamine. An additional firearm, methamphetamine, and drug ledgers written by the defendant were subsequently recovered from Ancho’s crashed vehicle.
At sentencing, Senior U.S. District Judge Mollway highlighted the need to protect the public given Ancho’s extensive criminal history and the nature and circumstances of the offense.
“This prosecution results from the exemplary work of federal agents and local law enforcement officers working together to keep the community safe by holding a convicted felon accountable for his continued refusal to comply with the law,” stated U.S. Attorney for the District of Hawaii Kenji M. Price.
“The sentence handed down to Mr. Ancho is a reflection of his blatant disregard for the rule of law,” said ATF Seattle Special Agent in Charge Darek Pleasants. “Sentences such as this one removes a dangerous offender from our streets and will hopefully serve as a deterrent to others.”
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. The Department of Justice reinvigorated PSN in 2017 as part of its renewed focus on targeting violent criminals, directing all U.S. Attorney’s Offices to work in partnership with federal, state, local, and tribal law enforcement and the local community to develop effective, locally based strategies to reduce violent crime.
The case was investigated by HPD, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. It was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Sara D. Ayabe and Chris A. Thomas.
Justice Department Sues Owners and Managers of Rental Properties in Honolulu, Hawaii for Discriminating Against Families with ChildrenRead the Press Release
The Department of Justice today announced that it has filed a lawsuit alleging that the owners and managers of residential rental housing in Honolulu, Hawaii, refused to rent to families with children, in violation of the Fair Housing Act.
The lawsuit, filed in the U.S. District Court for the District of Hawaii, alleges that the defendants—Hawaii Student Suites Inc., Hawaii Student Residences LLC or Hawaii Student Suites, Savio Hauoli Street LLC, and 258-60 Beach Walk LLC—engaged in unlawful familial status discrimination in connection with three properties in Honolulu: Beachwalk, Kalo Terrace, and Pacific Villa. Specifically, the complaint alleges that since at least 2015, the Defendants have discriminated against families with children by: (1) refusing to rent or to negotiate for the rental of the three properties on the basis of familial status; (2) steering prospective renters with children who inquired about housing away from the properties to a separate property management company; and (3) making discouraging and other discriminatory statements to potential renters with children who inquired about housing, including that the housing was not “suitable” or the right “fit” for families with children.
“Owners and managers of rental housing must ensure their housing is open to families with children,” said Assistant Attorney General Eric Dreiband of the Civil Rights Division. “The Fair Housing Act requires it, and the Justice Department will continue both to enforce the Act vigorously and to seek relief for families victimized by unlawful discrimination.”
“Discrimination against families with children is completely contrary to the values of our community in Hawaii and is especially damaging where, as here, housing can be difficult to obtain,” said U.S. Attorney Kenji M. Price of the district of Hawaii. “We will pursue violations of federal anti-discrimination laws to provide the fairest opportunities for families with children to find affordable housing.”
The Legal Aid Society of Hawaii brought this matter to the Department’s attention after conducting testing which, as the complaint alleges, showed discrimination against families with children in connection with the defendants’ properties. Today’s lawsuit seeks monetary damages to compensate the victims, a civil penalty to vindicate the public interest, and a court order barring future discrimination and harassment. The complaint contains allegations of unlawful conduct; the allegations must be proven in federal court.
The federal Fair Housing Act prohibits discrimination in housing based on race, color, religion, national origin, sex, disability and familial status. More information about the Civil Rights Division and the laws it enforces is available at http://www.justice.gov/crt. Individuals who believe that they may have been victims of familial status discrimination or other types of housing discrimination at rental dwellings owned or managed by the Defendants, or who have other information that may be relevant to this case, can contact the Housing Discrimination Tip Line, at 1-800-896-7743, and select mailbox 998 to leave a message.
Individuals can also report housing discrimination by e-mailing the Justice Department at [email protected].
Former bookkeeper of Maui nursery sentenced to 43 months of prison after pleading guilty to wire fraudRead the Press Release
HONOLULU, Hawaii – Thelma Pascua-Suyat, 64, of Maui, Hawaii, was sentenced today in federal court by Senior United States District Judge Susan Oki Mollway to 43 months of imprisonment for wire fraud. As part of her sentence, Pascua-Suyat must serve three years of supervised release, and pay $1,167,895.47 in restitution.
U.S. Attorney for the District of Hawaii Kenji M. Price announced that, according to court documents and information presented in court, from 2008 to 2016, Pascua-Suyat used her position as the bookkeeper for Ki-Hana Nursery, a Maui County nursery business, to falsify electronic bookkeeping records and steal over $1.3 million dollars from the Nursery. Pascua-Suyat’s scheme to defraud Ki-Hana Nursery lasted over the course of 7 years and that during that time she used the funds of Ki-Hana to pay over $1 million dollars in personal credit card debt and to make over $65,000 in payments on her home mortgage.
The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Ken Sorenson.
Former U.S. Army Range Director Pleads Guilty in Bribery SchemeRead the Press Release
HONOLULU – John Winslett, 65, of Bristol, Rhode Island, pleaded guilty today in federal court to one count of conspiracy to commit honest services wire fraud and one count of conspiracy to accept kickbacks in connection with a U.S. government contract. Winslett admitted that he bribed government contracting officials in order to steer federal contracts worth at least $19 million to his employer, a government contractor. Winslett further admitted that he accepted $723,333.33 in kickbacks from a local subcontractor, in exchange for Winslett assigning those contracts to that local subcontractor. Sentencing is scheduled for January 16, 2020 before Chief U.S. District Judge John M. Seabright.
Assistant Attorney General Brian A. Benczkowski of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division, U.S. Attorney Kenji M. Price for the District of Hawaii, Special Agent in Charge Ray Park of the U.S. Army Criminal Investigation Command (Army CID), Special Agent in Charge Bryan Denny of the U.S. Defense Criminal Investigative Service (DCIS) and acting Special Agent in Charge Eli S. Miranda of FBI’s Honolulu Field Office made the announcement.
According to court documents and information presented in court, from 2011 to 2018, Winslett paid over $100,000 worth of bribes to two U.S. Army contracting officials who worked at the Range at Schofield Barracks. The bribes included cash, automobiles, and firearms. In return, the contracting officials used their positions to benefit Winslett’s employer in securing U.S. Army contracts. Winslett also arranged for one of the contracting officials, Franklin Raby, to receive a job at his employer immediately following his retirement from the Department of Defense Civil Service. Raby has previously pled guilty to receiving bribes. Another contracting official, Victor Garo, has been charged with receiving bribes, and a change-of-plea is scheduled for later in October.
"Fair play in the competitive bidding process is critical to obtaining quality products and services for our uniformed personnel," stated U.S. Attorney Price. "Our law enforcement community will continue to hold those accountable who violate the law by failing to act with honesty and integrity in military contracting."
The case was investigated by Army CID, DCIS, FBI, and the Defense Contract Audit Agency. It was prosecuted by Trial Attorney Laura Connelly and Assistant Chief Justin Weitz of the Criminal Division’s Fraud Section and Assistant U.S. Attorney Marc Wallenstein for the District of Hawaii.
###
Australian Man Sentenced to Prison for Illegally Possessing Firearm in HawaiiRead the Press Release
AUSTRALIAN MAN SENTENCED TO PRISON
FOR ILLEGALLY POSSESSING FIREARM IN HAWAII
HONOLULU – Melvyn Gear, 59, a citizen of both Great Britain and Australia, was sentenced in federal court by Senior United States District Judge Susan Oki Mollway yesterday to 15 months of imprisonment for the illegal possession of a firearm. He was convicted of being an alien illegally in possession of a firearm after a jury trial on May 7-10, 2019.
Federal law prohibits a foreign national living in the United States pursuant to a non-immigrant visa from possessing any firearms. The evidence presented at trial demonstrated that Gear was in the United States on a non-immigrant visa in July 2017 when he possessed a rifle that had been shipped into the United States, which he had owned in Australia. He then lied about it when questioned by federal law enforcement officers.
U.S. Attorney Kenji M. Price said, "We will continue our efforts to prosecute anyone in Hawaii possessing a firearm in violation of federal law." At the sentencing hearing yesterday, Senior U.S. District Judge Mollway rejected a defense request for a probationary sentence and instead sentenced Gear to 15 months of imprisonment and noted that the conviction will likely result in deportation after Gear serves the term of imprisonment.
The case was investigated by the Department of Homeland Security (Homeland Security Investigations), the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, and the Hawaii County Police Department. It was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Marshall H. Silverberg and Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Kauanoe Jackson.
# # #
Hawaii Man Pleads Guilty to Possession of Child PornographyRead the Press Release
HONOLULU – Aaron A. Hood, 42, of Honolulu, Hawaii pleaded guilty today in federal court to one count of possession of child pornography. This guilty plea occurred on the second day of Hood’s jury trial involving a separate charge of production of child pornography. Under the terms of the plea agreement, the parties agreed to a recommended sentence of 10 years of imprisonment and a 25-year term of supervised release. Sentencing is scheduled for January 30, 2020 before U.S. District Judge Leslie E. Kobayashi.
According to U.S Attorney Kenji M. Price, the government alleged during trial that Hood met the 14-year-old minor female victim on January 23, 2016, outside the store where he worked in Waikiki. The minor had run away from home. Over a four-day period, Hood provided the minor with cocaine, marijuana, and alcohol, and had her stay in an apartment that he had access to, which was located behind the store where he worked. During that time, Hood engaged in sexual activity with the minor and took photos and videos of her engaged in sexually explicit conduct.
This case was investigated by the Department of Homeland Security (Homeland Security Investigations), the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, and the Honolulu Police Department. It was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Margaret Nammar and Rebecca Perlmutter.
Notably, this is the second child pornography trial handled by the U.S. Attorney’s Office District of Hawaii within the past month. On August 27, 2019, a federal jury in Honolulu, Hawaii found defendant Grant Manaku, 34, of Kauai, Hawaii guilty of one count of possession of child pornography, announced U.S. Attorney Price.
15 Defendants Charged for Involvement with Hawaii Game RoomsRead the Press Release
HONOLULU – Federal charges against 15 defendants and the seizure of thousands of dollar’s worth of property and funds were announced today by U.S Attorney for the District of Hawaii Kenji M. Price.
The fifteen individuals charged include:
Zongqi Ding (33), Tommy Can Wei Lee (50), Zhong Chen (38), Endrews Setefano (31), Paolo Ioane (30), and Matthew Samuela (31) who were charged with conducting, financing, managing, supervising, directing, or owning a gambling business operated out of a single-family residence from October 2018 to August 2019 at 94-103 Pupupuhi Street in Waipahu.
Jason Ishizuka (38), Aiyan Zhang (33), Seng Long Lio (30), Shi Min Huang (33), Alex Hui Zhang (29), and Freddy Siatunuu (31) who were charged with conducting, financing, managing, supervising, directing, or owning a gambling business operated out of a single-family residence from October 2018 to August 2019 at 1577 Hoolehua Street in Pearl City. In addition, Siatunuu has been charged with robbery for the July 22, 2019 robbing of a patron at gunpoint at the illegal gambling business located at 1577 Hoolehua Street after the patron won an estimated $4,000 playing an electronic video gambling machine.
Kenneth Puahi (47) who was charged with arson of a building used in interstate commerce. According to the indictment, during 2018, Puahi leased a space in a commercial warehouse located at 94-170 Leoole Street in Waipahu. The warehouse owners were notified that the leased space was suspected of being used for unlawful gambling and took steps to evict Puahi. On, April 14, 2019, Puahi maliciously damaged and attempted to damage the warehouse by setting it on fire.
Pauulu Lavatai (21) who was charged with robbery and using a firearm to commit a crime of violence. According to the criminal complaint, on February 3, 2019, Lavatai and an unidentified male entered an illegal game room located on Liliha Street. The two pistol whipped the security officer, took money from a female cashier and fled the scene.
Ifo Nimoai, Jr. (35) who was charged with possession of controlled substances with intent to distribute, possession of firearm in furtherance of drug tracking crime, and felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition. According to the criminal complaint, on November 29, 2018, Nimoai possessed with the intent to distribute methamphetamine, cocaine, and marijuana. Additionally, Nimoai knowingly possessed a .45 caliber pistol and ammunition and did so after having been previously convicted of a felony.
The aforementioned charges are merely allegations, and the defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
These cases are being investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, Federal Bureau of Investigation, Department of Homeland Security (Homeland Security Investigations), Hawaii High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area program (HIDTA), U.S. Marshals Service Hawaii Fugitive Task Force, and the Honolulu Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Micah Smith, Rachel Moriyama, Sara Ayabe, Jeremy Butler, Mohammed Khatib, and Sydney Spector are handling the cases.