Sexual assault alleged in two cases Three Kaua’i County Police officers – two current and one recently resigned – are headed for court on criminal matters. The county’s chief deputy prosecutor, Craig de Costa, said former patrolman Joseph Bonachita, who
Sexual assault alleged in two cases
Three Kaua’i County Police officers – two current and one recently resigned – are headed for court on criminal matters.
The county’s chief deputy prosecutor, Craig de Costa, said former patrolman Joseph Bonachita, who recently resigned, is charged with sexual assault in a case concerning a female relative. The alleged offense is a felony.
Bonachita is also charged with misdemeanor abuse of a family member, allegedly his wife.
Officer, Nelson Gabriel, who is still on the force but has been removed from contact with the public, is charged with sexual assault of a minor, a felony.
De Costa said Thursday that both cases are set for trial in Circuit Court, with dates pending.
When asked if the cases might be pleaded out to avoid trials, De Costa said the defendants “haven’t made any offers we’re willing to accept.”
A third officer faces a misdemeanor charge of tampering with evidence. His name is not included in this article in keeping with a policy of The Garden Island to not print names of misdemeanor defendants until formal court proceedings.
The matter was discussed in executive session Thursday by the Kaua’i County Council after their regular meeting.
County attorneys would not comment on the record about the matter, but referred inquiries to the Prosecutor’s office.
Police chief George Freitas, who is on vacation, and deputy chief Wilfred Ihu, who is off island, couldn’t be reached for comment.
Staff writer Dennis Wilken can be reached at 245-3681 (ext. 252) and mailto:dwilken@pulitzer.net
