WAILUKU – A 10-year prison term was ordered for a Kihei man who was on probation when he was found with drugs during a traffic stop last year.

Shaun K. Williams, 43, who already has spent more than a year in jail, asked to be released so he could enter a drug treatment program.

“I just like one attempt,” he said as he was sentenced Aug. 13.

Deputy Prosecutor Kenton Werk said Williams wasn’t a good candidate for probation, citing his “extensive record” as indicating he was using illegal drugs at a young age.

Williams was 20 when he committed his first felony offenses and was placed on probation, Werk said. But after Williams didn’t comply with court requirements and committed new felony offenses, he was sentenced to prison at age 23.

Five years later, Williams was again sentenced to prison and denied parole because of misconduct, Werk said. He said Williams was convicted of a series of domestic violence crimes throughout his 30s.

In his latest arrest on Jan. 14, 2014, Williams “was caught with significant amounts of drugs in his vehicle,” Werk said.

The drugs included oxycodone, methamphetamine and marijuana seeds, as well as a glass smoking pipe, containers and two digital gram scales, according to court records.

At the time of his arrest, Williams was on probation for abuse in a 2013 case.

“He has demonstrated he’s not embracing rehabilitation,” Werk said.

Defense attorney Chris Dunn said Williams had been accepted into a treatment program that seemed to address issues he has struggled with.

Williams had pleaded no contest to a reduced charge of attempted second-degree promotion of a dangerous drug, third-degree promotion of a dangerous drug, possessing drug paraphernalia and third-degree promotion of a detrimental drug.

Second Circuit Judge Joseph Cardoza sentenced Williams to prison.

“Whether or not this is a turning point will be up to you,” the judge told Williams.

According to the Hawaii Criminal Justice Data Center, Williams has nearly 40 prior convictions, including ones for second-degree robbery, second-degree criminal property damage, unauthorized control of a propelled vehicle, second-degree theft, third-degree promotion of a dangerous drug, abuse, violating an order for protection, reckless driving and resisting arrest.

* Lila Fujimoto can be reached at lfujimoto@mauinews.com.