Fifth Circuit Court cases from July 26: – Frank James Sanchez, who is in the state hospital on Oahu, sought permission for a pass so he could leave the grounds. Sanchez is hospitalized in lieu of prison on criminal felony
Fifth Circuit Court cases from July 26:
– Frank James Sanchez, who is in the state hospital on Oahu, sought permission for a pass so he could leave the grounds. Sanchez is hospitalized in lieu of prison on criminal felony charges of sexual assault, terroristic threatening and kidnapping.
His attorney, public defender James Itamura, advised Nakea he had discovered the court had no jurisdiction in the matter.
“I am putting the matter back in the state hospital’s lap,” Itamura said.
– Daniel K. Moke Jr., who recently pleaded no-contest to a felony theft charge, sought a deferred acceptance.
“I’d like to apologize,” Moke said. “My wife and I separated and I am responsible for five of my children. Please consider no jail time. They do need my care.”
“Deferred acceptance is not accepted,” Nakea said and then sentenced Moke to five years in probation and 30 days in jail.
He was handcuffed and returned to Kaua’i Community Correctional Center.
– Tawnia Williamson, who pleaded no-contest to promoting a dangerous drug (methamphetamine) and possession of drug paraphernalia, was granted a deferred acceptance by Nakea for five years. If Williamson doesn’t reoffend, her record will be cleared.
“The likelihood of re-offense is up to you,” Nakea told her.
She has enrolled in an aftercare program on Oahu in an attempt to deal with her drug problem.
Williamson was reported to the police by a family member, an action which her attorney, Itamura, called an example of “tough love.”
– Brandon Acheta-Ventura was sentenced to one year in jail for breaking into tourists’ vehicles, theft, and multiple counts of criminal property damage .
He asked for probation instead of jail.
Acheta-Ventura, who was found guilty by a jury two months ago, “continues to minimize his offense. He had a similar type of offense as a juvenile, targeting tourists,” deputy prosecutor Goo said, opposing probation. “He has been given the opportunity to change his ways. The state has no alternative but to ask for the maximum” sentence of five years in jail.
Judge Clifford Nakea sentenced the defendant to one year in jail.
Compiled by staff writer Dennis Wilken.
