On the Big Island, police have taken into custody an individual accused of severe allegations related to child pornography in a case that emphasizes the persistent challenge of protecting minors in the digital age. Dominic Roberts, an 18-year-old resident of Kailua Kona, is facing 10 charges including the production, possession, and dissemination of child pornography after a meticulous investigation that spanned a year and involved the cooperation of federal law enforcement, according to an announcement by Hawai‘i Island police on Nixle.
The inquiry, which began when Roberts was still a minor, led to his initial arrest in December 2023; however this Monday, a State of Hawai‘i family court judge ruled that Roberts would face the justice system as an adult and consequently, he was arrested once more on a warrant outlining numerous offenses—first-degree promoting of child abuse tied to production and multiple counts of second-degree charges related to possession and the dissemination of illicit materials, along with two counts use of a computer in the commission of a separate crime, the police have detailed these charges further stem from community tips and partnerships with federal entities that resulted in the seizure of numerous electronic devices linked to the crimes.
The gravity of these allegations is reflected in the bail set for Roberts, amounting to $130,000, with charges ranging from Class A to Class B felonies as described by police; he appeared in district court on Tuesday, August 13, where the court affirmed the bail amount. As the investigation continues, police urge the public to exercise vigilance to safeguard their children online and encourage anyone with additional information, or who may be aware of other potential victims, to reach out to Detective Chandler Nacino of the Area II Juvenile Aid Section, a reminder that the community's role in such matters is paramount.
Thus, anyone with knowledge of the situation or other victims is encouraged to contact the authorities at (808) 326-4646, ext. 301, or email [email protected].
