LIHU‘E — Brannon Joseph Rivera was granted a deferred sentence Wednesday in Fifth Circuit Court. Judge Kathleen Watanabe said the incident arose out of an altercation between Rivera’s uncle and another person who was also drinking. When the Kaua‘i Police
LIHU‘E — Brannon Joseph Rivera was granted a deferred sentence Wednesday in Fifth Circuit Court.
Judge Kathleen Watanabe said the incident arose out of an altercation between Rivera’s uncle and another person who was also drinking.
When the Kaua‘i Police Department was called, she said Rivera intervened with an officer who tried to break up the fight.
Rivera said he regretted the incident and that he apologized to the KPD officer. He asked for the deferral to avoid putting his employment in jeopardy.
Rivera, 31, of ‘Ele‘ele, was arrested on June 22, 2011, on two counts of first-degree assault on a police officer, resisting arrest and disorderly conduct. He entered a no contest plea to an amended charge of third-degree assault, and the other charges were dropped on Oct. 11.
Deputy Public Defender Stephanie Sato said Rivera has a good record, a full-time job and pays child support.
Deputy County Prosecuting Attorney Melinda Mendes recommended community service and said the state had no position on the deferred sentence.
Watanabe granted the motion to defer acceptance of a no contest plea for one year.
She said it is an incentive to do well on probation.
The judge ordered a substance abuse evaluation and any other programs that probation officers order for Rivera. She also ordered him to complete 200 hours of community service and pay a $500 fine.
• Tom LaVenture, staff writer, can be reached at 245-3681 (ext. 224) or tlaventure@thegardenisland.com.
