Lance L. Bermudez, 34, was sentenced to 30 years in federal prison and five years of supervised release for conspiracy to distribute drugs, racketeering conspiracy, and Hobbs Act robbery. According to the U.S. Attorney's Office, Bermudez admitted to accepting $60,000 in a murder-for-hire plot that was later canceled, burning a van used in the kidnapping and murder of Johnathan Fraser, and taking part in armed robberies and drive-by shootings. During sentencing, U.S. District Chief Judge Derrick K. Watson said, “You terrorized this city and this county to a greater extent than anyone I can remember.”
Bermudez, known as "The Hammah" for his violent actions, was the last of 13 people sentenced in connection to the Miske Enterprise. Michael J. Miske was found guilty a year earlier of charges including racketeering conspiracy and murder. Acting U.S. Attorney Ken Sorenson said, “Our decade-long effort with our outstanding law enforcement partners has now resulted in the federal convictions of 20 Miske confederates who now can no longer victimize Hawaii's citizens and communities.” The case was part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces investigation involving the FBI, IRS Criminal Investigation, Homeland Security Investigations, and others. The prosecution was handled by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Mark Inciong, Michael Nammar, KeAupuni Akina, and Aislinn Affinito. FBI Honolulu Special Agent in Charge David Porter said, “This sentencing reflects years of collaboration between FBI Honolulu and our law enforcement partners,” as reported by the U.S. Attorney's Office.
Law enforcement agencies continue to work together to bring members of violent criminal groups to justice. In connection to Bermudez’s sentencing, officials emphasized that those involved in similar illegal activities will face the full extent of the law. Lucy Cabral-DeArmas, Homeland Security Investigations Special Agent in Charge, stated, “We remain steadfast in our commitment to holding accountable those who engage in such egregious acts of violence and criminal conduct,” as mentioned by the U.S. Attorney's Office.
