U.S. Attorney for the District of Hawaii
Recent News About U.S. Attorney for the District of Hawaii
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Alan Hayward James pleaded guilty after admitting involvement in inflating IT contract costs by over $37 million within Pacific Air Forces procurement schemes spanning several years. Federal officials say such crimes undermine public trust while diverting critical defense resources.
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A Honolulu man was convicted on multiple counts related to child exploitation involving five minors between 2019 and 2020. Authorities say he used social media apps for contact before abusing victims across several locations on Oahu. Sentencing has not yet been scheduled.
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A second man has been charged for his alleged involvement in a murder tied to methamphetamine trafficking in Hawaii. Authorities say surveillance footage helped link both suspects to the crime scene. Officials emphasize their ongoing commitment to addressing violent crime related to drug activity.
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A former corrections officer from Mililani has been sentenced to over five years in federal prison for possessing child pornography. Kenneth Kazuichi Arasato, Jr. was also ordered to pay restitution after pleading guilty last year. The case was investigated as part of Project Safe Childhood.
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Richard Patterson Jr., of Norco, California, has been sentenced to over five years in prison for leading a multimillion-dollar wire fraud scheme targeting more than fifteen victims. Authorities say he used false promises of high returns to solicit investments before spending the money on personal luxuries. Two co-defendants have also pleaded guilty and await sentencing.
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Federal prosecutors have moved to amend their civil forfeiture complaint against Michael J. Miske following new evidence suggesting he conspired with others so he could die by overdose while awaiting sentencing—allegedly aiming to block seizure of more than $20 million in assets. Authorities say their investigation continues.
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A federal jury in Honolulu has convicted Ross Andrew Brown, a 44-year-old military lawyer and Lieutenant Colonel in the United States Air Force Judge Advocate General’s Corps, on charges related to attempted sexual enticement and exploitation of...
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Rumaldo Valdez, a 22-year-old former Navy Petty Officer Third Class who was stationed on Oahu, has been sentenced to 97 months in federal prison for possessing child pornography.
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Douglas Neddles Keikilani Junior Manago, a 46-year-old resident of Ewa Beach, was sentenced to 178 months in federal prison and five years of supervised release for methamphetamine trafficking and illegal firearm possession.
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Lazerrick Lawrence, a 52-year-old resident of Georgia, was sentenced to 20 months in prison and three years of supervised release for his involvement in a conspiracy to obstruct the Internal Revenue Service (IRS).
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Devan Caulk, a 21-year-old resident of Honolulu, was sentenced to 15 years in federal prison for producing child pornography.
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Rebecca Ann Folley, also known as Becca Waters, was sentenced to seven months in prison and three years of supervised release for making threats against Presidents Joe Biden and Donald Trump.
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A Maui resident, Jeffrey Worthen, has pleaded guilty in federal court to charges of wire fraud and making a false statement to the U.S. Coast Guard.
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Leonard Gutierrez, 65, of Whittier, California, was sentenced to 340 months in federal prison and five years of supervised release after pleading guilty to several drug and firearm offenses.
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Four residents of Oahu have been sentenced in federal court for their involvement in a tax refund fraud scheme, according to an announcement from United States Attorney Ken Sorenson.
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Brigida Chock, a 65-year-old resident of Ewa Beach and Filipino national, was sentenced to 27 months in federal prison for her role in a tax refund fraud scheme.
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A Japanese national has pleaded guilty in federal court to conspiring to illegally export firearm components and tactical accessories from the United States to Japan.
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A Hilo resident, Eddie P. Poai, 50, pleaded guilty in federal court to charges of possessing methamphetamine with intent to distribute and possessing firearms in furtherance of drug-trafficking crimes.
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A Canadian man, Dallas Pokornik, 33, of Toronto, has been indicted for wire fraud following allegations that he posed as a commercial airline pilot to secure free flights.
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A Big Island resident, Douglas Mycko, 61, of Kurtistown, Hawaii, was sentenced to four months in federal prison and ordered to pay $561,587.91 in restitution after pleading guilty to filing a false tax return.