HomeMy WebLinkAboutNR1-18-17OPA
C OU NT Y O F KAU A‘I
BERNARD P. CARVALHO, JR.
Mayor
WALLACE G. REZENTES, JR.
Managing Director
OFFICE OF THE PROSECUTING ATTORNEY
News Release
For Immediate Release: January 18, 2017
JUSTIN KOLLAR, PROSECUTING ATTORNEY
Tel (808) 241-1888
Fax (808) 241-1758
Guilty verdict in meth case
Līhu‘e – A Fifth Circuit jury on Tuesday found Stanley Lani Akau, Jr. guilty of four drug
and weapon related charges.
Trial commenced before Fifth Circuit Chief Judge Randal G.B. Valenciano on January 9,
2017. Court-appointed defense counsel Melinda K. Mendes, Esq. represented Akau; Deputy
Prosecuting Attorney Joanne S.C. Sheng represented the State. This was DPA Sheng’s second
jury trial.
At verdict, Akau was found guilty on all charges, including Promoting a Dangerous Drug
in the Third Degree (methamphetamine, C felony), Unlawful Use of Drug Paraphernalia
(methamphetamine, C felony), Carrying a Deadly Weapon (metal knuckles, misdemeanor), and
Promoting a Detrimental Drug in the Third Degree (marijuana, petty misdemeanor).
In 2016, KPD executed a search warrant for Akau and the vehicle he was driving at the
time. The search revealed that there were three bags containing drugs and drug paraphernalia
inside the vehicle. The jury determined that two of the bags belonged to Akau and contained
multiple methamphetamine pipes, methamphetamine, marijuana, and metal knuckles.
Akau’s sentencing will take place on April 6, 2017. He faces a maximum possible
sentence of 11 years and 30 days in prison.
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