On the Hawaiian island of Kauai, a man named David Borges, 43, of Koloa, has been sentenced to over 29 years in federal prison. Borges's sentencing, as announced by Acting United States Attorney Ken Sorenson, includes charges for extortion, drug trafficking involving methamphetamine and fentanyl, and carrying a firearm in connection to his drug trafficking activities. The sentencing, which amounts to 352 months of imprisonment followed by 5 years of supervised release, marks the end of Borges's criminal activities on the island. This information comes according to a report from the Department of Justice.
Borges has been detained since early March 2023 and has a history of violent crimes dating back to December 2021. Court documents reveal that Borges, along with Albert Bactad, 49, of Lihue, engaged in extortion and theft from two men, which included $2,500 in cash, drugs, a firearm, and even an automobile. During these incidents, the victims suffered assaults, threats with firearms, abductions, and retaliations which required one victim to undergo facial surgery. According to the U.S. Attorney's Office same report, Borges's sentence reflects the law enforcement's commitment to "root out those who endanger and victimize our communities."
Representatives from multiple law enforcement agencies have expressed their determination in combating the intertwined issues of drug distribution and gun violence. Special Agent in Charge David Porter, of the FBI's Honolulu office, highlighted that Borges's crimes significantly contributed to the drug epidemic and ensured the FBI's relentless pursuit of dismantling dangerous criminal organizations. This sentiment was echoed by ATF Seattle Field Division Special Agent in Charge Jonathan Blais who, holding firearms out of the reach of violent criminals, commended the collaborative efforts in disrupting drug sources and enhancing community safety. "This sentence reflects the seriousness of Mr. Borges's actions, and our citizens are now safer with him behind bars," Blais told the Department of Justice.
With Borges's sentencing, all defendants involved in the case have now faced justice. Albert Bactad received a sentence of 168 months' imprisonment and 3 years' supervised release. Denise Kalani, involved in the methamphetamine and fentanyl distribution conspiracy with Borges, was sentenced to 63 months' imprisonment. Others, like Wayne Inouye and Robin Takiguchi, received various prison terms for their part in conspiring to obstruct justice. Mahina Bactad, related to obstructing justice efforts on behalf of Bactad, was sentenced to 30 months in prison. Local law enforcement, represented by Kauai Police Department Chief Kalani Ke, thanks federal partners for their support and emphasizes the continued commitment to community safety.
The combined efforts of federal and local law enforcement, including the FBI, ATF, Kauai Police Department, with assistance from the DEA, led to Borges's sentencing. The prosecution of the case was carried out by Assistant U.S. Attorney Craig S. Nolan. The determination illustrated by these agencies reflects a stringent stance against the lethal intertwining of drugs and violence that places families and communities at risk.
