Baji was the fifth man charged in Hawai‘i County’s “Operation Keiki Shield,” an initiative focused on identifying and arresting offenders who commit internet-facilitated sex crimes against minors and rescuing victims of child sexual exploitation and abuse.
As the Indictment alleges, Baji is charged with ten offenses including Electronic Enticement of Child in the First Degree, Attempted Promoting Pornography for Minors, Attempted Promoting Minor-Produced Sexual Images in the First Degree, Promoting a Dangerous Drug in the Third Degree (methamphetamine), Promoting a Detrimental Drug in the Third Degree (marijuana), Prohibited Acts Related to Drug Paraphernalia, Possessing a Loaded Firearm on a Public Highway (a 12 gauge shotgun), Place to Keep Ammunition, Permit to Acquire, and Registration Mandatory. Baji remains in custody in lieu of $143,000.00 bail and is scheduled to make his initial appearance on Monday in Kona Circuit Court.
The case is being prosecuted by Sexual Assault Unit Supervisor, Deputy Prosecuting Attorney Ha‘aheo Kaho‘ohalahala, Hawai‘i County Office of the Prosecuting Attorney.
Baji was arrested with 4 other men who were part of a sting operation called “Operation Keiki Shield East Hawai‘i ” including Hawaii’s Prosecuting Attorney Office, Hawai‘i Police Department’s Criminal Investigation Division, U.S. Department of Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), along with special agents from the Department of the Attorney General – Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force, the United States Secret Service, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation.
Hawaii Police Department arrested 5 individuals after the men used online platforms to solicit sex from agents and officers posing as minors. “Each was arrested when they tried to meet up with police who the men believed to be children. Agents and officers also seized lubrication, condoms, alcohol, and cell phones.” per HSI Media Release.
The Four other suspects were identified as:
- Nolan O. Tallet, 45, of Hilo, charged with Electronic Enticement Of A Child 1. His bail is set at $50,000. Tallet was released after posting bail.
- Sonny Eugenio Puerto, 28, of Kurtistown, charged with Electronic Enticement Of A Child 1. State Request bail be maintained at 50K. Bail was reduced by Judge Kubota to 30k. Bail has been posted. His next Court Appearance is on July 29th, 2021
- Kanani Ikaika Perreira-Yurong, 31, of Hilo, charged with Electronic Enticement Of A Child 1. His bail is set at $50,000. Bail has been maintained by courts. Bail has been posted
- Joseph Michael Powell, 36, of Hilo, was initially charged with Electronic Enticement Of A Child 1 and Attempt attended circumstances Promoting pornography for minors disseminate material. 11 counts of Promotion of minor-produced nude image 1 have been added to the charge and bail has been raised to $82,000.00. The defendant remains in custody.
The charges are merely allegations, and the Defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Prosecuting Attorney Kelden Waltjen made this comment about the arrest
“Our Office is committed to seeking justice for our Keiki. The filing of these charges puts predators on notice that Hawai‘i County law enforcement will not tolerate the exploitation and victimization of Keiki in our community,”
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.