United States Attorney Clare E. Connors announced that Jose Elias Camacho, 34, of Maui, was sentenced Monday by US District Judge Susan Oki Mollway to 144 months in prison for trafficking in fake oxycodone pills containing fentanyl that resulted in an overdose death.

Camacho previously pleaded guilty to possession of fentanyl with intent to distribute in June 2024. Camacho admitted that in August 2020, he sold five fake oxycodone pills containing fentanyl to a 24-year-old man, who ingested the pills and overdosed. First responders revived the victim and transported him to the hospital for further treatment. The victim discharged himself later that day and contacted Camacho to buy more pills.

Camacho admitted knowing the victim had just been hospitalized. Despite this knowledge, Camacho sold the victim five more pills. The following morning, the victim was found dead at his home. An autopsy report indicated that he died of a polydrug overdose. A medical toxicologist who later reviewed the case determined the victim would not have overdosed and died but for the fentanyl Camacho distributed to him.

Camacho admitted that he continued to distribute the pills after learning of the victim’s overdose death. On Oct. 2, 2020, members of the Maui Police Department working in an undercover capacity set up a deal to purchase approximately 50 pills from Camacho, who was arrested as he left his house to conduct the transaction. Police searched him and his home and found approximately 400 light blue pills bearing the marking “M 30” and designed to resemble prescription oxycodone, according to the Justice Department. The pills were tested by a lab and were found to contain fentanyl.

According to the Drug Enforcement Administration’s 2024 National Drug Threat Assessment, fentanyl manufactured by Mexican drug cartels is the main driver behind the ongoing epidemic of drug poisoning deaths in the United States.

The National Institute on Drug Abuse reports that in 2022, national overdose deaths involving synthetic opioids other than methadone (primarily illicitly manufactured fentanyl) comprised 73,838 of the 107,941 lives lost to drug overdose deaths. The DEA’s 2024 National Drug Threat Assessment further notes that fake oxycodone pills present a particular risk—both because 7 in 10 fake pills contain a potentially lethal dose of fentanyl and because users are often unaware that the pills contain fentanyl at all.

“Camacho knew the deadly risk of selling illegal narcotics, and in particular, he knew the heightened risk associated with the tragic death in this case. Even after learning of the victim’s death, Camacho continued to sell a large quantity of the lethal pills, endangering a great number of lives,” said United States Attorney Connors. “This sentence sends a powerful message that dealers whose products contain lethal doses of illegal narcotics, including fentanyl, will face severe consequences for contributing to the scourge of overdose deaths on our community.”

The investigation was conducted by the Drug Enforcement Administration and the Maui Police Department. Assistant US Attorneys Mohammad Khatib and Michael Albanese prosecuted the case.

During the holiday hustle and bustle, scammers often target unsuspecting utility customers. Today, on national Utility Scam Awareness Day, Hawaiian Electric warns customers to guard against criminals taking aim at their hard-earned money.

“Scammers target utility customers because we all depend on essential services such as electricity, water and telecommunications – especially during this busy time of year,” said Brendan Bailey, Hawaiian Electric vice president of customer service. “Customers should always stay alert and vigilant. Don’t let a scammer’s threat of disconnection ruin your holidays.”

While the scams come in many forms, the “late payment” scam is most prevalent: Scammers threaten disconnection unless payment is made immediately – by prepaid debit cards, gift cards, Bitcoin or other unacceptable payment option.

But scammers are getting creative. Over the summer, Hawaiian Electric received seven scam reports from customers describing a different tactic – the scammer claimed to be from Hawaiian Electric, provided a “work order” number and instructed the customer to contact a “field technician” using an 800 number. The scammers demanded payment for the necessary repair or power would be disconnected.

While not all the targets were businesses, a recent common thread appeared to be real estate-related ads or listings. Among the targets was HI Five Realty LLC.

“They were saying that unless we call back and pay for repairs, they were going to terminate our service,” said Richard Nakatsu, a property manager with HI Five Realty who received the call June 17. “They’re spoofing the Hawaiian Electric number.”

Nakatsu contacted Hawaiian Electric customer service, and after answering a series of questions, it appeared the scammers likely were targeting realtors.

“They have their name, face and number all over the internet” and that attracts both legitimate clients and crooks, he said. “They’re relentless. With AI things are going to get worse,” said Nakatsu, who did not send money to the scammers. But a residential customer who received the same type of call paid the scammers $1,498 through Zelle, a money transfer service offered through banking apps.

To review acceptable payment options, go to hawaiianelectric.com/paymentoptions. To file a fraud report, visit hawaiianelectric.com/reportfraud.

See next page for what Hawaiian Electric does and does not do when contacting customers.

The Maui Police Department has been made aware of a recurring scam involving spoofed phone calls targeting members of the community.

The most recent reported ongoing scam is spoof callers claiming to be a Maui Police Department representative. Spoofing is a technique used to manipulate caller ID information, making it appear as if the call is coming from a legitimate source, such as a government agency, financial institution, or even a known contact, making it highly deceptive.

The caller tells call recipients that there is a warrant, missed jury duty, or some other legal sanction pending against them, then demands immediate payment via cryptocurrency, online payment apps such as CashApp, Venmo, etc., or other means, gift card, credit card, etc.

Please note that no law enforcement or government agency will attempt to “clear up” warrants or other legal sanctions over the phone, nor will they ever request your financial information to do so over the phone.

“We urge you to remain vigilant and take necessary precautions to protect yourself from falling victim to these fraudulent activities,” said MPD.

Scammers will often:

• Sound official and use legitimate names of law enforcement personnel.
• Call on the weekends or after hours when most institutions are closed.
• Be forceful and may bargain or barter on the payment amount or payment method if the victim questions it or says they do not have enough or do not know how to use the desired payment method.

Some tips to keep in mind:

• Do not provide ANY information to the caller.
• Do not contact the email/number being given; instead, contact the organization directly via the official website of said organization.
• If you received a call/message from an individual claiming to be with a federal agency but did not answer/return the call, please report the incident to the FBI at www.ic3.gov.
• If you gave personal information or sent money/gift cards, please report the incident to the FBI and the Maui Police Department at 808-244-6400.

The state Department of Law Enforcement has established a Gun Tip Line for people to report illegal gun ownership and firearm crimes anonymously.

“The Gun Tip Line offers another way the public can assist law enforcement in protecting our neighborhoods,” said department Director Jordan Lowe. “Guns that have been stolen; guns that haven’t been registered; and guns in the wrong hands are often used to commit crimes. The consequences can be tragic. So, if you see something, send something to the Gun Tip Line and help us make Hawai‘i safer.”

There are several ways to report a gun tip.

• Call or text the Gun Tip Line at 808-427-4018.
• Submit a tip on the department website at law.hawaii.gov.
• Download the Saferwatch app where tipsters can submit photographs and videos with their tips.

All tips are confidential. All tipsters may remain anonymous.

People reporting tips are encouraged to leave detailed information including the names of those in possession of illegal guns or committing gun crimes, a location where those people may be found and a description of the guns. Tipsters may leave their name and phone number if they would like to be contacted.

In emergency situations, call 9-1-1.

A Maui man pleaded guilty in federal court Wednesday in connection with an explosive device found in July near Kahului Elementary School.

The United States Attorney’s Office made the announcement saying Robert Francis Dumaran, 47, of Kahului, entered a plea agreement, pleading guilty to possessing explosive powders as a convicted felon and possessing an unregistered destructive device.

The charges stem from the discovery of the device on July 23, 2024 at the intersection of Lono Ave. and Hina Ave. According to court documents and information presented in court, Dumaran admitted that he attempted to detonate a homemade firework.

As a convicted felon, Dumaran was prohibited from possessing explosives. According to information provided by the Department of Justice, the firework contained black powder (gunpowder) and flash powder.

The Federal Bureau of Investigation later searched Dumaran’s residence and discovered an improvised hand grenade, according to department reports. Dumaran admitted he crafted and possessed that grenade for use as a defensive weapon capable of causing destruction and death, according to a news release issued by United States Attorney Clare E. Connors.

The device, found in Kahului, was rendered safe by Maui police. Dumaran is not charged in connection with improvised explosive devices recovered on Aug. 7, 2024, in Kula, Maui or the Aug. 8, 2024 explosion in Pukalani, Maui.

Dumaran is not charged with improvised explosive devices recovered on Aug. 7, 2024, near Kaʻamana St. in Kula, Maui or the Aug. 8, 2024 explosion that damaged a car traveling along the Old Haleakalā Highway in Pukalani, Maui. Jess Kiesel Lee, age 43, of Kula, was named in a criminal complaint for his alleged connection to improvised explosive devices (IEDs) found in the Kula. No-one has been charged for the Pukalani incident to date.

Sentencing for Dumaran is set for Feb. 2, 2025, before United States District Judge Jill A. Otake.

The case was investigated by the FBI and MPD. Assistant US Attorneys Jonathan D. Slack and Wayne A. Myers are prosecuting the case.

The Maui Police Department is warning the public of a recurring scam involving spoofed phone calls targeting members of the community. The public is urged to remain vigilant and take necessary precautions to protect themselves from falling victim to these fraudulent activities.

The most recent reported ongoing scam is spoof callers claiming to be a Maui Police Department representative. Spoofing is a technique used to manipulate caller ID information, making it appear as if the call is coming from a legitimate source, such as a government agency, financial institution, or even a known contact, making it highly deceptive.

The caller tells call recipients that there is a warrant, missed jury duty, or some other legal sanction pending against them, then demands immediate payment via cryptocurrency, online payment apps such as CashApp, Venmo, etc., or other means, gift card, credit card, etc.

Police say no law enforcement or government agency will attempt to “clear up” warrants or other legal sanctions over the phone, nor will they ever request your financial information to do so over the phone. 

Scammers will often:

• Sound official and use legitimate names of law enforcement personnel.
• Call on the weekends or after hours when most institutions are closed.
• Be forceful and may bargain or barter on the payment amount or payment method if the victim questions it or says they do not have enough or do not know how to use the desired payment method.

Some tips to keep in mind:

• Do not provide ANY information to the caller.
• Do not contact the email/number being given; instead, contact the organization directly via the official website of said organization.
• If you received a call/message from an individual claiming to be with a federal agency but did not answer/return the call, please report the incident to the FBI at www.ic3.gov.
• If you gave personal information or sent money/gift cards, please report the incident to the FBI and the Maui Police Department at 808-244-6400.

The Department of Law Enforcement warns the public to beware of callers impersonating law enforcement officers and intimidating people with false information about impending or nonexistent court cases.

The callers may indicate the person they have called faces arrest for failing to appear for a court hearing or jury duty. They may mention that payment in the form of bail or a civil fee will resolve the matter.

Please know that law enforcement agencies will not call to solicit any form of payment. Therefore, do not provide credit card or bank account information to anyone who calls saying they are a law enforcement officer.

The scammers may “spoof” real DLE phone numbers to make it appear their call is legitimate when in fact they are calling from another phone number, often outside Hawai‘i. Scammers from outside Hawai‘i often mispronounce street addresses with Hawaiian names or reference government offices not found in Hawai‘i including the District Attorney’s Office.

Anyone who receives a call they believe to be a scam is asked to contact the Department of Law Enforcement at 808-586-1352.

A Maui man who was on trial for the second degree attempted murder of his ex-girlfriend’s infant, was found guilty instead of a lesser first degree attempted assault charge. The verdict in the trail of Christian Rosete was reached on Monday afternoon (Sept. 23). The jury found Rosete guilty as charged of separate first and second degree assault charges, and a charge of felony abuse against a family or household member. Another second degree assault charge for Count 3 was reduced to a third degree assault conviction.

The charges stem from activity in April of 2021, in which the 11-month old boy was treated in the emergency room for life-threatening injuries including bruising to his face, bleeding in his brain, a bone fracture, retinal tear/detachment and malnourishment.

Passion Quirk, the baby’s mother and Rosete’s ex-girlfriend, was initially charged with attempted murder as well, but later accepted a plea deal agreeing to a lesser charge of assault and reduced maximum sentence.

The jury spent Friday afternoon and part of Monday deliberating before reaching the unanimous verdict shortly before 2:30 p.m. 

Under a bifurcated indictment, the jury must still determine if extended prison terms are necessary for any of the charges.

The jury is scheduled to return on Wednesday before Judge Kelsey Kawano to listen to more witness testimony.

Prosecuting attorney Andrew Martin asked and received confirmation that the defendant’s bail was previously maintained in the amount of $1 million.

Defense attorney Pamela Lundquist had concerns over potential for double jeopardy since one charge emphasized strangulation while another was focused on choking. She also questioned the basis for one of the assault counts, asking for clarity on what type of injury was considered for the conviction.

Maui police will increase presence in and around Baldwin High School today (Monday, Sept. 23, 2024) following an alleged threat towards the campus.

“We are actively working with school officials to assess the situation, and while we understand that this heightened presence may cause some concern, please be assured that we are taking all necessary precautions to address the situation swiftly and effectively,” police said in a news release over the weekend.

Police said the department is committed to maintaining a safe environment for everyone in the community and is asking for vigilance in reporting suspicious activity.

“Our officers are actively investigating the threat and working closely with school officials to ensure the safety of all students, faculty, and staff,” police said.

Additionally, the department is asking for cooperation and patience as officers work to resolve this matter as quickly as possible.  The case is currently classified as a terroristic threatening incident.

A Maui man will appear in federal court on Monday for an initial hearing after being arrested on Wednesday for his alleged connection to improvised explosive devices (IEDs) found near Kaʻamana St. in Kula on Aug. 7, 2024.

Jess Kiesel Lee, age 43, of Kula, was named in a criminal complaint for allegedly possessing explosives as a felon and damaging property by means of explosives, according to an announcement by United States Attorney Clare E. Connors.

The complaint and affidavit allege that on Aug. 7, 2024, Maui police officers encountered multiple IEDs near Kaʻamana Street. One of the IEDs, which had been exploded before officers arrived, contained a mixture of compounds consistent with the remnants of explosive powder. Lee’s fingerprint was recovered from tape on that IED, the complaint alleges.

One of the detonated IEDs had been constructed with pipe, attached to a guardrail, and detonated, according to the complaint.

“The undetonated IEDs and the remnants of detonated IEDs were fairly consistent in their components and materials with that of homemade, illegal fireworks,” the complaint contends.

The criminal complaint states that Lee has prior felony convictions for assault and terroristic threatening.

If indicted and convicted of the charged offenses, Lee would face up to 10 years in prison on the felon in possession of explosives charge and a mandatory minimum sentence of at least five years in prison, but no more than and up to 20 years in prison, on the property damage charge.

“The charges and information contained in the federal complaint are merely accusations, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until indicted and proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law,” according to the Department of Justice.

The Federal Bureau of Investigation and MPD conducted the investigation resulting in the complaint and arrest, and the investigation into this matter remains ongoing. The prosecution is being handled by Assistant US Attorneys Jonathan D. Slack and Wayne A. Myers.

Lee is not charged for the IED located near Lono Ave. in Kahului on July 23, 2024 or the explosion damaging a car traveling along the Old Haleakalā Highway in Pukalani on Aug. 8, 2024. Another man, Robert Dumaran, 47, of Maui was charged with the Kahului IED incident. The Pukalani explosion was mentioned in a criminal complaint filed on Aug. 13, 2024, but no-one has been charged for that incident to date.