HomeMy WebLinkAbout2017-02-22 Prosecutors Win Conviction in Sexual Assault Case against DLNR Officer
655 KĪLAUEA AVENUE
HILO, HAWAI‘I 96720
MITCHELL D. ROTH
PH: (808) 961-0466
PROSECUTING ATTORNEY
FAX: (808) 961-8908
(808) 934-3403
DALE A. ROSS
(808) 934-3503
FIRST DEPUTY
WEST HAWAI‘I UNIT
PROSECUTING ATTORNEY
81-980 HALEKI‘I ST, SUITE 150
KEALAKEKUA , HAWAI‘I 96750
PH: (808) 322-2552
FAX: (808) 322-6584
OFFICE OF THE PROSECUTING ATTORNEY
News Release
February 22, 2017
Prosecutors Announce Conviction in Sexual Assault Case against DLNR Officer
The Hawaii County Office of the Prosecuting Attorney announced the conviction as
charged Wednesday of Ethan Ferguson in the sexual assault of a minor.
Ferguson on January 1, 2016 sexually assaulted a 16-year-old girl while on duty as a
Department of Land and Natural Resources (DLNR) officer.
Ferguson was convicted on two counts of Sexual Assault in the Second degree – a
Class B felony which carries a possible sentence of 10 years on each charge and a fine
of up to
$25, 000. He was also convicted on three counts of Sexual Assault in the Fourth
Degree, a misdemeanor offense with a maximum prison term of one year and a fine of
up to $2,000 each.
Ferguson will be sentenced on April 24, 2017 by the Honorable Judge Greg Nakamura.
Prosecuting Attorney Mitch Roth commended the victim for showing tremendous
courage by coming forward to testify in court.
Prosecutor Roth praised the police and the Prosecutor’s Office team for spending
months in preparation for trial in this case. He cited for special mention Deputy
Prosecutors Ha’aheo Kaho’ohalala and Michelle West, Victim Witness Counselor Tara
Okutsu, Investigator Clem Gusman, as well as Legal Clerk Lori Picar.
For more information, please contact Deputy Prosecuting Attorney
Ha’aheo Kaho’ohalahala at 961-0466.
Hawai’i County is an Equal Opportunity Provider and Employer