Family abuse draws probation

LIHU‘E — A Kalaheo man was sentenced to a two-year probation for abusing his 15-year-old sister.

Tony Martin Reis, 19, could have served the maximum-minimum sentence of 48 hours, but had already served 37 days in cell block at Kaua‘i Community Correctional Center.

Represented by defense counsel Timothy Tobin, the defendant changed his plea to guilty on Aug. 8, to misdemeanor abuse of family or household member. The charge felony intentional choking was dropped.

At the sentencing Wednesday, Tobin said Reis has taken responsibility for his actions, and the 37 days in jail served as a wake-up call for the defendant.

He did well on supervised release has re-established a relationship with his parents as his sister moved off island to attend school.

Reis said that what he did was wrong but that his motive was to prevent his younger sister from attempting to run away. They were both under the influence, he added.

County Deputy Prosecuting Attorney Lisa Arin said this was a serious and violent act and she suspected substance abuse might have been a factor in the crime. She said the defendant has taken the right approach to address the matter and has performed well on supervised release.

The state recommended a two-year probation with a drug and alcohol addiction assessment and alternatives to violence class, Arin said.

Judge Kathleen Watanabe said the reports indicate that alcohol might have been a factor.

She sentenced Reis to probation for the misdemeanor charge, but cautioned Reis that it was a serious and violent crime that the court takes it very seriously.