David Borges, a 43-year-old resident of Koloa, has been sentenced to 352 months in federal prison and five years of supervised release after pleading guilty to multiple charges including extortion, conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine and fentanyl, carrying a firearm during a drug trafficking crime, and distributing a mixture of fentanyl and cocaine. The sentence was handed down by Senior United States District Judge Helen Gillmor. Borges has been in federal custody since March 9, 2023.
Court records indicate that Borges and codefendant Albert Bactad committed several crimes on Kauai in late December 2021. These included the extortion and theft from two men involving cash, drugs, a firearm, and an automobile. The incidents involved physical assaults—one victim required surgery for facial injuries—threats with firearms, abduction of one victim, and holding another for ransom. In addition to these acts of violence, Borges engaged in drug trafficking activities throughout 2022 and early 2023.
Acting U.S. Attorney Ken Sorenson stated: “Borges and his confederates have been a dangerous menace to our community – plaguing it with drugs and violence – and today’s lengthy sentence is a resounding affirmation of our solemn commitment to convicting and punishing those who profit through the pain and misery deadly drugs like crystal methamphetamine bring to our islands. Today’s sentence finally brings an end to the reign of terror Borges and his confederates brought to the people of Hawaii,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Ken Sorenson. “We will continue to work tirelessly with our dedicated law enforcement partners at the FBI, ATF, and Kauai Police Department to root out those who endanger and victimize our communities.”
FBI Honolulu Special Agent in Charge David Porter commented: “Mr. Borges led a violent narcotics trafficking organization; his crimes significantly contributed to the ongoing drug epidemic facing America and plaguing our island communities. This sentencing marks a crucial victory in the ongoing fight to protect our citizens from deadly drugs and violence,” said FBI Honolulu Special Agent in Charge David Porter. “The FBI—standing in resolve with our local, state, and federal partners—will continue to use every available resource to dismantle these dangerous criminal organizations and bring their members to justice.”
ATF Seattle Field Division Special Agent in Charge Jonathan Blais added: “There is an undeniable link between drug dealing and gun violence, and Mr. Borges’s possession of firearms and dealer quantities of meth and fentanyl posed an exceedingly dangerous risk to our community,” said ATF Seattle Field Division Special Agent in Charge Jonathan Blais. “I commend our ATF special agents and law enforcement partners for remaining steadfast in their com mitment to disrupting the sources of drugs in our communities and keeping firearms out of the hands of violent criminals. This sentence reflects the seriousness of Mr. Borges’s actions, and our citizens are now safer with him behind bars.”
Chief Kalani Ke from the Kauai Police Department stated: “This conviction represents a major step forward in protecting our community from the devastation caused by drugs and violence,” said Chief Kalani Ke, Kauai Police Department. “For years, this individual has terrorized our island, putting our families and neighborhoods at risk. We thank our federal partners for their strong support in this case, which demonstrates how collaboration leads to substantial results and holds those who endanger our community accountable. Together, we remain committed to safeguarding the people of Kauai and will continue our mission to keep dangerous individuals off our streets.”
Borges is the last defendant related to these cases whose sentencing has concluded:
- On March 13, 2025 Albert Bactad received a sentence of 168 months’ imprisonment plus three years’ supervised release after pleading guilty to extortion.
- On April 8, 2025 Denise Kalani was sentenced to 63 months’ imprisonment plus five years’ supervised release after pleading guilty for conspiring with Borges on drug distribution.
- Wayne Inouye was sentenced on September 9, 2024 (48 months’ imprisonment) for conspiring to obstruct justice.
- Robin Takiguchi received a similar charge on September 5, 2024 (46 months).
- Mahina Bactad was sentenced on March 12, 2025 (30 months).
The investigation was conducted by several agencies including the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), Bureau of Alcohol Tobacco Firearms & Explosives (ATF), Kauai Police Department—with assistance from Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA). Assistant U.S. Attorney Craig S. Nolan prosecuted.
