Prosecuting Attorney Kelden Waltjen announced that a bench trial concluded last week for a Captain Cook man, 47-year-old Alexander Aquino, who faces charges for felony Unlawful Imprisonment in the First Degree (knowingly restrained a minor under circumstances which exposed the minor to the risk of serious bodily injury) and misdemeanor Persistent Nonsupport (knowingly failed to provide support to a minor whom he is legally obligated to support).
The charges are related to a chain of events that occurred between August 1, 2020, and August 21, 2021. A Kona Circuit Court judge will provide the verdict on May 18, 2022.
On April 22, 2022, Aquino’s wife, 37-year-old Amy Aquino, who also faced the same charges as her husband, entered a “No Contest” plea to the felony offense of Unlawful Imprisonment in the First Degree. Her sentencing hearing is scheduled for July 1, 2022.
Prosecutors are free to argue for the maximum penalty in accordance with the agreement which contemplates the dismissal of the misdemeanor offense following her sentencing.
As the Felony Information alleged, both Alexander and Amy Aquino were charged with a single count each of Unlawful Imprisonment in the First Degree and misdemeanor Persistent Nonsupport. The most serious offense, Unlawful Imprisonment in the First Degree is a class C felony that carries a maximum penalty of five (5) years in prison.
Both Alexander and Amy Aquino, who were granted supervised release over the Prosecutors’ objections, remain on supervised release pending their upcoming court dates.
The lead investigator was Detective Brandon Mansur, Juvenile Aid Section, Area II Criminal Investigation Section, Hawai‘i Police Department. The case is being prosecuted by Deputy Prosecuting Attorney Chase Murray.
The charges are merely allegations, and the Defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
If you believe a child is in immediate danger, please call 911. To report suspected child abuse or neglect, please call the Child Abuse and Neglect reporting line at 1-888-380-6688. Child welfare services will walk you through the process of how to make a report.
The Office of the Prosecuting Attorney remains dedicated to the pursuit of justice with integrity and commitment. Anyone having information to assist local law enforcement should call Crime Stoppers at (808) 961-8300.