Following a year-long joint investigation with federal law enforcement agencies, Hawai‘i Island police arrested and charged 18-year-old Dominic Roberts of Kailua Kona with 10 offenses related to the production, possession, and distribution of child pornography.

Roberts was initially arrested in December 2023, at the age of 17, but has since turned 18. On Monday, August 12, 2024, he was found fit to be tried as an adult in the adult criminal court by a State of Hawai‘i family court judge. Roberts was released from the custody of family court and taken into police custody under the strength of an arrest warrant for the following offenses:

• First-degree promoting of child abuse (production)
• Two counts of second-degree promoting of child abuse (possession of 30 or more images or videos depicting child pornography, and at least one image containing a minor under the age of 12, sadomasochistic abuse of a minor, or bestiality involving a minor).
• Five counts of second-degree promoting child abuse (disseminating child pornography)
• 2 counts use of a computer in the commission of a separate crime

The offenses of use of a computer in the commission of a separate crime and first-degree promoting of child abuse are Class A felonies.

The offenses of second-degree promoting of child abuse are Class B felonies.

Roberts made his initial appearance in district court on Tuesday, August 13, where the court maintained his $130,000 bail.

Robertsʻ charges stem from tips received from the community and federal partners that led to the execution of numerous search warrants, which led to the recovery of numerous electronic devices.

Police ask anyone with additional information to contact Detective Chandler Nacino of the Area II Juvenile Aid Section at (808) 326-4646, ext. 301, or by email at chandler.nacino@hawaiicounty.gov.

 

HPD Photo