Lance L. Bermudez, a 34-year-old from Honolulu, Hawaii, has been sentenced to 30 years in federal prison for his involvement in the Miske Enterprise. The sentence was delivered by U.S. District Chief Judge Derrick K. Watson and includes five years of supervised release. Bermudez's charges include conspiracy to distribute controlled substances, racketeering conspiracy, and Hobbs Act Robbery.
Bermudez's sentencing marks the end of legal proceedings against members of the Miske Enterprise. He had previously admitted to participating in a murder-for-hire plot with Michael J. Miske and other members of the group. Although the planned murder did not occur as the contract was later rescinded, Bermudez confessed to other violent acts including attempted murders and armed robberies.
Twelve others were charged alongside Bermudez, with all but Michael J. Miske pleading guilty. Miske was found guilty on multiple felony charges last year.
Judge Watson remarked on the extent of Bermudez's crimes during sentencing: “You terrorized this city and this county to a greater extent than anyone I can remember.” He described Bermudez’s actions as "brazenness" and "unprecedented."
Acting U.S. Attorney Ken Sorenson commented on the case stating that it concludes their investigation into the violent activities of Michael Miske and his associates: “Our decade-long effort... has now resulted in the federal convictions of 20 Miske confederates.”
David Porter, FBI Honolulu Special Agent in Charge, highlighted Bermudez's role within the enterprise: “Mr. Bermudez was a key member... actively participating in a longstanding pattern of violence.” Adam Jobes from IRS Criminal Investigation emphasized their commitment to uprooting organizations profiting from violence.
The prosecution involved an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) investigation that included several law enforcement agencies working collaboratively.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Mark Inciong, Michael Nammar, KeAupuni Akina, and Aislinn Affinito led the prosecution.
