‘Where there’s smoke, there’s fire’: Maui police lieutenant denied bail in federal bribery case
HONOLULU (HawaiiNewsNow) – A federal judge denied bail Tuesday for Maui Police Lt. Michael Vaituulala, ruling he is a danger to the community following his arrest by the FBI on federal bribery charges.
Read more State opposing county plan for East Maui water system
Vaituulala, head of the Maui Police Department’s now-disbanded Criminal Intelligence Unit, entered the courtroom escorted by federal marshals.
He was arrested on Aug. 4, accused of accepting bribes to protect drug traffickers, illegal cockfighters, and illegal fireworks distributors over several years.
Defense argues for release
Vaituulala’s attorney, Gary Singh, argued his client should be released on bail, citing a support system that included about a dozen family members who flew from Maui for the hearing.
Singh also noted that Vaituulala had surrendered his passport and firearms and said the charges remain allegations.
Prosecution cites flight risk, obstruction concerns
The U.S. Attorney’s Office argued Vaituulala is a flight risk, noting he recently deleted his Instagram account and put his home up for sale. Prosecutors also said the criminal complaint does not represent the full extent of the evidence against him.
According to the federal criminal complaint, Vaituulala served as an FBI Task Force Officer until last October, representing himself as a federal agent while allegedly helping criminals avoid arrest.
The complaint further alleges Vaituulala is at serious risk of obstructing justice because he illegally disclosed the identities of confidential sources, evidence, a pending wiretap, and information about ongoing federal investigations into perpetrators and co-conspirators.
Read more UHERO: Employment, poverty levels persist 3 years after Maui wildfires
After approximately 30 minutes, the judge ruled Vaituulala should remain behind bars.
“I suspect where there’s smoke, there’s fire,” said U.S. Magistrate Judge Rom Trader.
Police chief responds to charges
Maui Police Chief John Pelletier addressed the charges at a public event on Monday.
“The actions of one individual don’t reflect the profession,” Pelletier said. “We’ve seen policing being politicized in presidential cycles and different things like that. We’ve seen false narratives. But remember, law enforcement is the one who took that individual into custody.”
Pelletier added, “Sometimes we get knocked down, but we get back up and we’re stronger for it. We’re better for it. We’re more resilient for it.”
Family present as judge ruled
Vaituulala’s wife cried and family members spoke to Vaituulala in Tongan as he was taken back to the Federal Detention Center. One family member said “ofa atu,” meaning “I love you.”
Read more UH football wide receivers step up with standout Ashlock sidelined
Vaituulala is due back in court Aug. 27 for a preliminary hearing.
Singh declined to do an interview with Hawaii News Now.
Post Comment