Maui grand jury indicts brothers in labor trafficking of Guatemalan man

HONOLULU (HawaiiNewsNow) – Brothers Axel Camey Chajil and Brandon Camey Chajil were arrested by Maui police Monday night and arraigned Tuesday on charges related to the alleged labor trafficking of a man from Guatemala to Maui.

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A Maui Grand Jury indicted the brothers on Friday on eight criminal charges: four counts of labor trafficking in the first degree, three counts of extortion in the first degree, and unlawful conduct with respect to documents.

Labor trafficking in the first degree is a class A felony offense punishable by up to 20 years in prison and a $50,000 fine.

The Department of the Attorney General’s Special Investigation and Prosecution Division (SIPD) partnered with the Maui Police Department (MPD) and the United States Department of Labor Office of the Inspector General to conduct the investigation.

“Labor trafficking is a hidden crime that preys on vulnerable members of our community and often occurs behind closed doors. Through strong collaboration with our federal and regional law enforcement partners, we are committed to identifying and investigating these crimes, disrupting trafficking operations, protecting victims, and holding those responsible accountable,” said Maui Police Chief John Pelletier. “These investigations demonstrate the importance of coordinated law enforcement efforts in bringing traffickers to justice and protecting those who are most vulnerable.”

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The cases, State v. Brandon Camey Chajil, 2CPC-26-333, and State v. Axel Camey Chajil, 2CPC-26-334, are being prosecuted by SIPD Deputy Attorney General Leigh Okimoto.

Axel Camey Chajil and Brandon Camey Chajil are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.

The public can report corruption, fraud, economic crime and human trafficking by clicking here.

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