LIHU‘E — A helicopter pilot avoided jail for steroid charges and will be allowed to fly again with the terms of probation. Kurt Ventura, 36, of Kilauea, was in 5th Circuit Court on Wednesday for sentencing on amended felony drug
LIHU‘E — A helicopter pilot avoided jail for steroid charges and will be allowed to fly again with the terms of probation.
Kurt Ventura, 36, of Kilauea, was in 5th Circuit Court on Wednesday for sentencing on amended felony drug charges. He pleaded guilty on Aug. 1 to reduced charges of class B felony second-degree possession and attempted possession of Oxandrolone, along with felony use of drug paraphernalia.
His attorney, Michael Green, explained that Ventura suffered from childhood illnesses and disabilities and ordered the steroids online for his own use to help with a health condition.
The defendant was unaware that the drugs he ordered came illegally from outside of the country, Green said. He was also under the incorrect impression that what he was doing was legal and did not require a prescription.
Green described Ventura as a lifesaver for his role as a pilot with search and rescue and law enforcement work. His lack of a criminal record includes never even having a traffic ticket, Green said.
This is a good civic-minded and decent man, Green said. The statutes that allow for conditional discharge and deferred sentencing were designed with defendant’s like Ventura in mind, Green said.
County Second Deputy Prosecuting Attorney Samuel Jajich said that given the circumstances of the case, the defendant’s exemplary life and service to the community, he recommended that the court follow the plea agreement.
Ventura apologized to the court and his family, saying he would not have attempted to order the steroids online had he known it was illegal.
Judge Kathleen Watanabe said there did not appear to be criminal intent but that his actions were most likely foolish. Strong support, accomplishments and service to the community weighed in Ventura’s favor, she said, and jail time is not warranted in this case.
The court sentenced Ventura to a $4,000 fine for the drug charges, with a conditional discharge to take effect upon successful completion of a five-year probation. He was sentenced to one-year probation and a $1,000 fine on the paraphernalia charge, with deferment of sentencing to take effect if he remains in compliance.
Ventura must also pay a drug demand assessment fee of $500 for each of the three charges.
Watanabe cautioned Ventura that failing to comply with the terms of probation would bring him back to court to face a possible prison term.
Ventura was arrested March 12 for illegal possession of prescription medications. A county spokesperson said the arrest did not involve operation of the county helicopter.
As a pilot for Airborne Aviation, Ventura was contracted to fly and maintain the MD530F county helicopter for use in air rescue and training.
Kaua‘i Fire Department issued notice to prohibit him from operating the county helicopter pending the outcome of the case.
Ventura flew with the parent company on the Mainland for the duration of the case. He reportedly made lifesaving rescues while working outside the state, Green said.
The judgment Wednesday will lift the suspension on his license to fly in Hawai‘i.
• Tom LaVenture, staff writer, can be reached at 245-3681 (ext. 224) or tlaventure@thegardenisland.com.
