LIHUE — A Kapaa man already serving time for drugs, firearms and abuse charges in five cases was sentenced to two additional five-year prison terms on Wednesday in 5th Circuit Court. But it doesn’t necessarily mean he’ll be serving more
LIHUE — A Kapaa man already serving time for drugs, firearms and abuse charges in five cases was sentenced to two additional five-year prison terms on Wednesday in 5th Circuit Court.
But it doesn’t necessarily mean he’ll be serving more time.
Jesse Kaliko Rivera, 33, was sentenced to five years in prison for convictions of first-degree terroristic threats in one case, and for unlawful use of drug paraphernalia and resisting arrest in a second.
Rivera was previously sentenced to five years in prison in four cases and one year for a misdemeanor charge by Chief Judge Randal Valenciano on Dec. 12.
The charges included methamphetamine and weapons.
Judge Kathleen Watanabe said the sentencings on Wednesday would run concurrently with all cases and charges in both courts, meaning they’ll run at the same time as Rivera’s other sentences, not in addition to.
State Public Defender Dena Renti Cruz said Rivera has taken responsibility and is a positive mentor to young offenders at Kauai Community Correctional Center.
Rivera apologized to the court and said he struggled with addiction for many years.
The difference now, he said, is his family. Rivera is a participant in recovery programs.
County Second Deputy Prosecuting Attorney Rebecca Vogt said the state recommended a five-year term for one felony in each case to run concurrently with other sentencings.
She recommended a one-year concurrent term for the misdemeanor resisting arrest charge.
