(AP) — A U.S. judge has rejected a deal between prosecutors and a former elected Hawaiʻi official who agreed to plead guilty and accept a 15-year prison term for leading a drug-trafficking organization. Arthur Brun pleaded guilty last year to charges including drug trafficking conspiracy, distribution of methamphetamine and assault of a federal law enforcement officer. Prosecutors say he led the drug ring while serving as a member of the county council on the island of Kauaʻi. According to court records, U.S. District Judge Derrick Watson rejected the deal Brun negotiated for a 15-year sentence. Judges aren’t bound by plea agreements.

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