Prosecuting Attorney Kelden Waltjen announced that a Captain Cook couple, 47-year-old Alexander Aquino and 37-year-old Amy Aquino, were charged with felony unlawful imprisonment of a minor, related to a chain of events that occurred last month.

As the Complaints allege, both Alexander and Amy Aquino were charged with a single count each of 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 they are legally obligated to support).

The most serious offense, Unlawful Imprisonment in the First Degree is a class B felony that carries a maximum penalty of ten (10) years in prison.

On September 17th, the couple made their initial appearance in Kona Circuit Court. Judge Wendy DeWeese granted defense counsel’s request for supervised release, over Prosecutors’ objections. Both Alexander and Amy Aquino were ordered to appear for their jury trials set on February 1st.

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 Charles 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 on 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 in East Hawai‘i or (808) 329-8181 in West Hawai‘i.