LIHUE — A Hanamaulu man who set his bedroom on fire and threatened a friend with a knife was sentenced to 10 years in prison on Wednesday in 5th Circuit Court. Andrew Dencio Sarita, 26, was arrested on June 24,
LIHUE — A Hanamaulu man who set his bedroom on fire and threatened a friend with a knife was sentenced to 10 years in prison on Wednesday in 5th Circuit Court.
Andrew Dencio Sarita, 26, was arrested on June 24, 2012, for first-degree arson. He has accumulated 19 months in jail that will be applied as time served toward his sentence.
Judge Kathleen Watanabe sentenced Sarita for first-degree arson and to a concurrent five-year term for the charge of first-degree terroristic threat. The judge acknowledged the presence of Sarita’s parents and noted his good support network that included guardians.
However, Watanabe said that to place the people most close to him in danger with continued acts of violence placed the community at risk.
“The court would be remiss to sentence you to anything but the maximum term,” Watanabe said.
County Deputy Prosecuting Attorney Melinda Mendes said the court had the option of probation but the state recommended the prison term because of a history of violence and drug abuse. Sarita has a history of violence that includes juvenile offenses, Mendes said.
At age 16, Sarita was sentenced to five years in prison as a youthful offender for a first-degree attempted assault against a teacher at Kauai High School. The incident occurred in 2004, and Sarita damaged the teacher’s vehicle after the man took refuge inside.
Sarita was sentenced to five years for the offense in 2005. The new charges came less than three years after his release.
Sarita threatened a friend with a knife and then proceeded to set his bedroom on fire, Mendes said. He also tried to start his father’s bedroom on fire, causing more than $100,000 in damages.
Court-appointed defense attorney Warren Perry asked the court to consider a term of probation given the amount of time already served. He said the underlying issue in this matter is about the defendant taking his medications and abstaining from illegal drugs.
The defendant needs strict supervision and help to stay compliant, Perry said. The answer is not to hide him away for 10 years in a prison.
Restitution to the insurance company that held the policy on the home was not granted. The insurer had not responded to the state’s request and would now have to pursue funds through civil action, Mendes said.
“As Judge Watanabe noted, this young man has proven that he cannot safely be a part of our community,” said County Prosecuting Attorney Justin Kollar. “He’s spent much of his adult life in prison, and unless he is able to control his violent behavior, that pattern will unfortunately continue.”
