Prosecuting Attorney Kelden Waltjen announced that a Kona man, 47-year-old Alexander Aquino, was found guilty as charged with felony Unlawful Imprisonment in the First Degree (knowingly restrained a minor under circumstances which exposed the minor to the risk of serious bodily injury) in Kona Circuit Court yesterday.
The Court found Aquino not guilty of the misdemeanor offense of Persistent Nonsupport (knowingly failing to provide support to a minor whom he is legally obligated to support). The case stemmed from a chain of events that occurred between August 1, 2020, and August 21, 2021. Following the reading of the guilty verdict, Prosecutors requested that Aquino’s release be revoked and that he be remanded into custody pending his sentencing hearing.
The Court denied the Prosecutors’ request, maintained Aquino’s existing bail status, and ordered that he appear for his sentencing hearing on July 22, 2022, at 10:00 am in Kona Circuit Court.
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 originally 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, remain out of custody on $11,000 bail.
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 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.