Assault, firearm cases heard in 5th Circuit Court

LIHU‘E — A Kapa‘a man changed his plea to a terroristic threatening charge with a gun on Thursday in 5th Circuit Court.

Jonathan Andre Peacock, 33, was in custody Thursday when he pleaded no contest to three charges of misdemeanor abuse of family or household member, felony first degree terroristic threat and third degree assault.

Chief Judge Randal Valenciano’s scheduled the sentencing hearing for May 30.

County Deputy Prosecuting Attorney Shauna Lee Cahill said that on Jan. 1, 2013, the defendant used a 357 Magnum handgun to threaten a family member. The assault charge stems from Dec. 19, 2012, when she said he physically abused a woman.

Peacock is represented by State Deputy Public Defender Samuel Jajich. Two firearms charges were dismissed in the plea deal.

Tyson Kanoa Panui, 20, of Kaumakani, was sentenced to a five-year probation and four days jail for unlawful use of drug paraphernalia. Other charges were dropped in a plea deal in a case involving Panui and three others, who were caught using drugs in a post office parking lot.

Valenciano said the crime was a brazen act that reflected on the carelessness and addiction of individuals who chose to use drugs in a in broad daylight. All the police had to do was walk up to the car to see what you were doing, he said.

The lack of a felony record worked in the defendant’s favor, as did his initiative to seek treatment early on, he added.

Stanley Ancheta, 55, of Kalaheo, was sentenced to a five-year probation and time served for a second degree assault charge. He must also complete a domestic violence intervention course.

Ancheta already pleaded to the abuse of family or household member charge. He has maxed out the possible jail time served with probation with more than 180 days at Kaua‘i County Correctional Center.

According to State Deputy Public Defender John Calma, the defendant was staying with his parents and the incident occurred after he was scolded about planting a garden and opening a canned item.

He allegedly pushed his 80-year-old mother and she tripped and hit her head on a box of floor tiles. The injury required a trip to the emergency room.

County Deputy Prosecuting Attorney Lisa Arin said this crime of violence against his 80-year-old mother was preceded by the defendant’s conviction for abusing his pregnant wife. Arin asked for one-year jail with probation.

This was an unfortunate but not unforeseen injury, Valenciano said.

Alexander Kaluna Medeiros, 27, of Kapa‘a, appeared in custody to have his probation revoked. He was terminated from a drug probation program for missed meetings and appointments and admitted drug use. He will be resentenced on March 14 on charges of firearms, third degree criminal property damage and second degree reckless endangerment.

Frank Daligdig, 30, of Lihu‘e, had his trial date set for June 10 on charges of second degree burglary, first degree unauthorized entry, and third degree theft. The trial date coincides with two other criminal cases in Judge Watanabe’s court.

Joseph Keaka Haas, 33, of Kapa‘a, entered a no contest plea to fraudulent use of a credit card exceeding $300, unauthorized possession of personal confidential information, second degree theft, and second degree forgery of $757.50 in July 2011. Five similar charges were dropped in the plea deal and his sentencing is scheduled for May 23.

Amos Robert Merkle, 46, of Koloa, pleaded no contest to criminal contempt of court. He represented himself against County Deputy Prosecuting Attorney Ramsey Ross, who assisted him with the change of plea form.

The charge related to missing a jury trial date on July 26, 2012, and was reduced to a petty misdemeanor. The judge will consider his motion to defer acceptance of the guilty plea on June 6.

Haunani Carol Carineo, 43, of Hanama‘ulu, failed to appear for her hearing on the status of a motion for revocation or modification of probation. The court issued a $10,000 warrant that was stayed until  March 12, to allow her to make an appearance in another case.

James Alexander Pacyau, 34, of Kapa‘a, was sentenced to time served, after pleading no contest to third degree promotion of a dangerous drug. The maximum sentence for the reduced petty misdemeanor marijuana charge is 30 days in jail, and he has been incarcerated since Dec. 26, 2012.

Brandon Pagala, 28, of Lihu‘e, pleaded no contest to a third degree theft charge related to theft of merchandise exceeding $100 from Macy’s. The petty misdemeanor charge was reduced from felony second degree theft and could bring a 30-day jail sentence.

Pagala’s sentencing is scheduled for May 30.

Jason Lee Martin, age 43, pleaded no contest to third degree promotion methamphetamine and drug paraphernalia, both felony charges stemming from a Feb. 12, 2010, arrest. A first degree terroristic threatening, first degree methamphetamine, third degree promotion of a detrimental drug and another drug paraphernalia charge were all dropped in the change of plea.

The sentencing hearing is scheduled for May 30.

• Tom LaVenture, staff writer, can be reached at 245-0424 or by emailing tlaventure@thegardenisland.com.