After nearly two days of deliberation, Honolulu District Court jurors yesterday found Hank Jacinto guilty of eight of nine criminal charges in the identity-theft case of murdered Kaua‘i resident John Elwin. Hank Jacinto, also known as Henry Calucag, was convicted
After nearly two days of deliberation, Honolulu District Court jurors yesterday found Hank Jacinto guilty of eight of nine criminal charges in the identity-theft case of murdered Kaua‘i resident John Elwin.
Hank Jacinto, also known as Henry Calucag, was convicted of fraud and forgery, and of stealing Elwin’s identity and property, including Kaua‘i land, six polo horses and $200,000 in cash.
The only charge for which jurors did not find him guilty was using Elwin’s credit cards for a trip to the Philippines, where Elwin was last seen alive before he was found shot dead in May 2006.
Elwin’s body was positively identified by Philippine officials in October, after Louis Beader, of the Canadian Embassy in Manila, provided his dental records.
Though he lived on Kaua‘i for more than 30 years, Elwin was a Canadian citizen.
Jurors returned their decision around 1:30 p.m. yesterday after beginning deliberation Wednesday.
Elwin’s longtime friend Luis Soltren was relieved by the verdict, he said.
“This verdict of guilt is just the beginning,” Soltren said. “Justice still has to come for the murder of John. I’ve known from the first conversation I ever had with Hank that he was guilty.”
Prosecutors have not brought murder charges against Jacinto.
Two other missing persons cases in which businessmen traveled with Jacinto to the Philippines remain under investigation, however.
The first is the 16-years plus missing person case of Arthur Young, whose house is owned by Jacinto’s girlfriend, Debbie Anagaran.
Officials are also investigating the missing person case of Douglas Ho, another of Jacinto’s associates, who also was last reported to have been traveling with Jacinto in the Philippines.
“I look forward to helping pursue the murder charges for the brutal slaying of my friend and others,” Soltren said.
“I know in my heart Hank is guilty. He’ll be held accountable and those who helped him should watch their backs.”
Jacinto’s sentencing for the identity theft, fraud, forgery and theft charges is scheduled for Aug. 26.
