Carlos Frate, a 40-year-old resident of Kihei, Hawaii, and officer of the Maui Police Department, was arrested following a two-count indictment by a federal grand jury on January 16, 2025. The arraignment is scheduled for January 22, 2025, in federal court.

According to the indictment, Frate is accused of using unreasonable force while performing his duties as a police officer. He allegedly used a taser on an individual without legal justification. Additionally, he is charged with falsifying a police incident report to obstruct the investigation into the use of force.

If found guilty, Frate could face up to ten years in prison for the civil rights violation and up to twenty years for falsifying the report. It is important to note that these charges are accusations at this stage. Frate remains presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in court. Sentencing upon conviction would be determined by a United States District Judge according to statutory factors and sentencing guidelines.

The Maui Police Department initially referred the case to federal authorities. The Federal Bureau of Investigation conducted the investigation alongside local law enforcement. Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael F. Albanese will prosecute the case.