LIHU‘E — Eric Alfonso, staring at the possibility of over 30 years in prison for various felony charges, showed no signs of glee when a judge announced his 10-day prison sentence Wednesday. Alfonso, 34, of Lihu‘e, was charged with three
LIHU‘E — Eric Alfonso, staring at the possibility of over 30 years in prison for various felony charges, showed no signs of glee when a judge announced his 10-day prison sentence Wednesday.
Alfonso, 34, of Lihu‘e, was charged with three counts of first-degree criminal property damage and one count of second-degree terroristic threatening in a case involving his ex-wife and their two children.
He allegedly intentionally drove a vehicle into another vehicle carrying his ex-wife and their children, ages 11 and 3.
Fifth Circuit Judge Kathleen Watanabe cited Alfonso’s participation in an alternatives-to-violence class when granting his motion for deferred acceptance of no contest pleas in the case. She said he has “taken some very positive steps” and noted the positive comments received from counselors and therapists.
But if Alfonso doesn’t comply with all the conditions and a motion to revoke the plea is made and he appears again before Watanabe, she said he’ll be looking at “substantial jail time.”
“You threatened to kill your wife” and “you put your children at tremendous risk,” Watanabe said. “I am very bothered by the facts and circumstances” that led to his arrest, she said.
“I’m just appalled that your children were involved” in this incident, Watanabe said.
She also levied $3,500 in total fines.
“I believe you will never see my client again in this situation,” said state Deputy Public Defender John Calma, who added that any jail time would be a hardship for Alfonso, who works three jobs.
“This is one of the few times when I mean what I say when I say you won’t see my client in this court again,” Calma said.
Alfonso, both in his own words and through an interpreter, apologized for his actions and said he plans to continue taking ATV classes.
“I like to learn some more,” he said, to become a better person. “I love my kids.”
County Deputy Prosecutor Chris Donahoe said Alfonso cooperated in preparation of the pre-sentencing investigation and has no prior criminal record, and the state’s only concern is the facts of the case.
Specifically bothersome is the “potential danger” Alfonso put his children in by his actions, Donahoe said.
“He’s learned his lesson, judge,” Calma said.
“I’m not going to send you to prison for 30 years, for 15 years, for five years,” Watanabe said, adding that she read letters of support for Alfonso, including those from the ATV instructors indicating he is not a threat to his family and is not likely to re-offend.
But the fact that he and his wife are divorced and are considering getting back together is troublesome for Watanabe, who said she thinks Alfonso’s relationship with his ex-wife is part of the problem.
• Paul C. Curtis, staff writer, can be reached at 245-3681 (ext. 224) or pcurtis@kauaipubco.com.
