LIHU‘E — A 20 year-old Lihu‘e man was sentenced Tuesday to 18 months in jail and five years’ probation for the sexual assault of a 13 year-old girl. “I am sorry for my actions,” Kaina-Lee Rosare said in 5th Circuit
LIHU‘E — A 20 year-old Lihu‘e man was sentenced Tuesday to 18 months in jail and five years’ probation for the sexual assault of a 13 year-old girl.
“I am sorry for my actions,” Kaina-Lee Rosare said in 5th Circuit Court.
Rosare was arrested Nov. 17, 2010, for first-degree sexual assault and first-degree burglary. He pleaded guilty in September to an amended charge of second-degree sexual assault, which is a class B felony.
A remaining third-degree sexual assault charge was dropped.
Deputy Prosecuting Attorney John Calma said Rosare expressed remorse and accepted responsibility for his conduct.
Calma said the defendant has been enrolled in appropriate programs while being held at Kaua‘i County Correction Center since his arrest, and added that he recommended further treatment with probation for his sentence.
County Deputy Prosecuting Attorney Lisa Arin said Rosare was told by the victim’s parents and by police to stay away from the girl who complained of his advances.
Instead, Arin said, Rosare went out of his way to come to the door of the victim at midnight. He concocted a story about being chased by other men, the prosecutor said.
Once inside, Arin said the victim did not realize the danger she was in and told Rosare to sleep on the living room floor. Instead, he made unwanted sexual advances, Arin said.
Arin concluded that the family of the victim agreed to the reduced sexual assault charge to avoid exposing the girl to the publicity of a trial.
Chief Judge Randal Valenciano said failing to comply with the terms of probation could result in a 10-year prison sentence.
• Tom LaVenture can be reached at 245-3681 (ext. 224) or tlaventure@ thegardenisland.com.
