Prosecuting Attorney Kelden Waltjen announced that a Kona man, 47 year-old Alexander Aquino, who was found “Guilty” in May for Unlawful Imprisonment in the First Degree was sentenced to serve a five (5) year prison term on Friday in Kona Circuit Court. Deputy Prosecuting Attorney Chase Murray argued for the imposition of the maximum penalty.

The case stemmed from a chain of events that occurred between August 1, 2020 and August 21, 2021. Unlawful Imprisonment in the First Degree (knowingly restrained a minor under circumstances which exposed the minor to the risk of serious bodily injury) is a class C felony offense which carries a maximum penalty of five (5) years in prison. Aquino, who remained on supervised release for the majority of the pendency of these criminal proceedings, was taken into custody immediately to begin serving his prison term.

The lead investigator was Detective Brandon Mansur, Juvenile Aid Section, Area II Criminal Investigation Section, Hawai‘i Police Department. The case was prosecuted by Deputy Prosecuting Attorney Chase Murray.

“This was a case of family violence, child abuse, and neglect,” said Prosecuting Attorney Kelden Waltjen. “We pray that today’s sentencing brings some sense of justice to those involved. This type of behavior will not be tolerated nor should any child have to endure this type of abuse. Our Office will continue to work with law enforcement and our legislature to establish the creation of laws to better protect our keiki.”

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.