26 year-old Douglas Wayne Soares, Jr., of Puna was sentenced to 10 years in prison in relation to a February 28, 2021 domestic abuse and dating violence incident involving his teenage girlfriend.

Soares was sentenced to a 10 year prison term for Assault in the First Degree and 5 year prison terms for each of his Felony Abuse charges.

On March 14, 2022, Soares pleaded “Guilty” to four offenses, Assault in the First Degree (knowingly cause serious bodily injury to another person) and three counts of Felony Abuse of Family or Household Member (knowingly physically abuse another person by impeding her normal breathing). Assault in the First Degree is a class B felony offense punishable by a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison. Felony Abuse is a class C felony offense punishable by a maximum penalty of 5 years in prison.

The investigation was initiated by South Hilo Patrol and the felony investigation was handled by Officer Corey Kaneko, Area I Juvenile Aid Section, Hawai‘i Police Department. The case was prosecuted by Deputy Prosecuting Attorney Lucas Burns.

In a press release Prosecuting Attorney Kelden Waltjen said, “There is no sentence that can erase what happened; however, I hope it brings forth some sort of healing for the victim and her family,” said . “Yesterday’s sentencing communicates our Office’s commitment to seek justice for child victims of domestic and dating violence and to hold these dangerous offenders accountable for their actions. I am extremely grateful and proud of the hardworking police, victim advocates, and prosecutors who fight against domestic and dating violence in our community.”

HPD Photo