LIHU’E — A Lihu‘e man will face no additional jail time after pleading no contest in July to an amended charge of third-degree sexual assault. Keola Spencer Harris, 19, appeared for sentencing Wednesday before 5th Circuit Court Judge Kathleen Watanabe.
LIHU’E — A Lihu‘e man will face no additional jail time after pleading no contest in July to an amended charge of third-degree sexual assault.
Keola Spencer Harris, 19, appeared for sentencing Wednesday before 5th Circuit Court Judge Kathleen Watanabe.
Harris was arrested in April and originally charged with two counts of first-degree sexual assault. The crimes occurred between Jan. 1 and March 19 and involved a vulnerable individual, according to the prosecution.
Deputy Public Defender Stephanie Sato told the court that her client has a “tremendous amount of potential” and has taken full responsibility for his actions.
“This young man should never have been in front of the court,” she said. “I think he has definitely learned his lesson.”
County Deputy Prosecuting Attorney Lisa Arin agreed, saying “it does seem to be a case of wrong decisions.”
Harris told the court that he has had plenty of time to think about his actions and offered an apology to this victim and her family.
“I never meant to hurt her,” he said. “I just want to get my life in order.”
Watanabe thanked Harris for his honesty and his written statement to the court.
“The court appreciates you are not shying away from responsibilities,” Watanabe said. “It’s not always that the court gets that kind of statement.”
In addition to 173 days credit for time already served, Harris is sentenced to 5 years probation. He is ordered to pay restitution, register as a sex offender, have no contact with the victim and enroll in rehabilitation programs.
