A former officer with the Maui Police Department has pleaded guilty to a federal civil rights violation for using unreasonable force during an arrest. Carlos Frate, 40, admitted in court that on January 6, 2024, he repeatedly used a taser on an arrestee who was not resisting or posing any threat. According to the plea agreement, Frate acknowledged that he knew his actions were unjustified but continued to tase the individual despite pleas to stop.
“Officers who abuse their position of authority to inflict excessive force must be held accountable,” said Assistant Attorney General Harmeet K. Dhillon of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division. “The Civil Rights Division will continue to work with our law enforcement partners to investigate — and where appropriate, prosecute — alleged police misconduct.”
Acting U.S. Attorney Ken Sorenson for the District of Hawaii stated: “Our police officers are entrusted to protect our citizens and perform their duties professionally, and it is the norm here in Hawaii that our law enforcement officers faithfully serve and protect us. In those rare instances where an officer abuses the public trust by using excessive force, that officer will be held accountable and prosecuted. This Office will continue to safeguard the constitutional rights of all of Hawaii’s citizens, including individuals under arrest.”
Special Agent in Charge David Porter of the FBI Honolulu Field Office commented: “We entrust our law enforcement officers with vast power and authority, and when they abuse it, they’re not just depriving victims of their civil rights, but they are also degrading the public’s trust in our criminal justice system. The FBI will continue to investigate and hold accountable anyone who violates federal law, regardless of their position.”
Frate could face up to ten years in prison for this offense. His sentencing is scheduled for January 6, 2026 before U.S. District Judge Micah W. J. Smith.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation began investigating after receiving a referral from the Maui Police Department. The prosecution is being handled by Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael F. Albanese for the District of Hawaii along with Trial Attorney Julia White from the Civil Rights Division’s Criminal Section.
