LIHUE — A homeless man who struck a man who was harassing his wife received a $1 fine for a violation on Thursday in 5th Circuit Court. Elmer William Conant IV, 44, pleaded no contest to disorderly conduct in a
LIHUE — A homeless man who struck a man who was harassing his wife received a $1 fine for a violation on Thursday in 5th Circuit Court.
Elmer William Conant IV, 44, pleaded no contest to disorderly conduct in a plea agreement to reduce the charge from felony second-degree assault. The charge carried the possibility of a $1,000 fine.
Court-appointed defense attorney Michael Soong said Conant and his wife were homeless and setting up for the night near the Lihue baseball field on Aug. 6. There, they encountered a 58-year-old man who had been drinking for several hours.
The man was becoming belligerent, Soong said, and Conant asked him to quiet down so as not to attract attention and get them kicked out of the area or arrested.
The man continued to make noise and began making sexual references toward Conant’s wife.
Eventually, the man pulled on her dress and partially exposed the woman, Soong said.
At this point Conant struck the man with an open hand on the head causing him to fall and become injured.
County Deputy Prosecuting Attorney Teresa Tumbaga said Conant is a large man and that he caused substantial injury to the victim with just one strike.
She also pointed out Conant has a string of assault, harassment, disorderly conduct, abuse and driving under the influence charges dating back to 1992.
Tumbaga noted that Conant has nearly two months of time already served in jail. She asked the court to assess a $300 fine with probation and time served.
Chief Judge Randal Valenciano said he would not issue probation for a violation plea agreement. He ordered a $1 fine and time served. Conant was released from custody at the courthouse.
