Prosecuting Attorney Kelden Waltjen announced that 47 year-old Alexander Aquino of Kona, was found guilty as charged of felony Unlawful Imprisonment in the First Degree (knowingly restrained a minor under circumstances which exposed the minor to the risk of serious bodily injury) in Kona Circuit Court. The Court found Aquino not guilty of the misdemeanor offense of Persistent Nonsupport (knowingly failed to provide support to a minor whom he is legally obligated to support).

The case stemmed from a series of events that occurred between August 1, 2020 and August 21, 2021. Following the reading of the guilty verdict, Prosecutors requested that Aquino’s release be revoked and that he be remanded into custody pending his sentencing hearing. The Court denied Prosecutors’ request, maintained Aquino’s existing bail status, and ordered that he appear for his sentencing hearing on July 22, 2022 at 10:00 am in Kona Circuit Court.

On April 22, 2022, Aquino’s wife, 37 year-old Amy Aquino, who also faced the same charges as her husband, entered a “No Contest” plea to the felony offense of Unlawful Imprisonment in the First Degree. Her sentencing hearing is scheduled for July 1, 2022.

As the Felony Information alleged, both Alexander and Amy Aquino were originally charged with a single count each of Unlawful Imprisonment in the First Degree and 2 misdemeanor Persistent Nonsupport. The most serious offense, Unlawful Imprisonment in the First Degree is a class C felony which carries a maximum penalty of 5 years in prison. Both Alexander and Amy Aquino, remain out of custody on $11,000 bail.

The lead investigator was Detective Brandon Mansur, Juvenile Aid Section, Area II Criminal Investigation Section, Hawai‘i Police Department.

Hawaiʻi County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office