Night of ‘fear and violence’ leads to 10 years in prison

Man pleaded no contest to assault of teenage son

WAILUKU -- A Hana man apologized to his family when he was sentenced May 18 to 10 years in prison after inflicting "fear and violence" on family members nearly two years ago.

Edward Villegas, 48, had pleaded no contest to a reduced charge of second-degree assault of his teenage son, who was slashed on the arm while trying to keep his father from hurting his mother on Aug. 29, 2019, according to witnesses.

Villegas also pleaded no contest to being a felon in possession of ammunition.

Other charges were dismissed in exchange for his pleas, which he entered on Jan. 27, as jury selection was underway in the case.

A plea agreement between the defense and prosecution recommended Villegas be sentenced to five- and 10-year prison terms, to be served at the same time.

"The state believes that the sentence agreed upon by the parties adequately reflects the fear and violence that the defendant put his family, especially his son, through that night," said Deputy Prosecutor Ryan Teshima.

"We're thankful this agreement was reached" to spare the family further trauma through a trial, Teshima said.

According to testimony at a preliminary hearing shortly after Villegas' arrest, his son kicked down his parents' locked bedroom door and saw his mother on the ground and Villegas pointing a gun at her.

The boy testified he tackled Villegas and held him in a chokehold to keep him away from her. The boy was slashed in his right arm and required 36 stitches, he said.

Defense attorney Jon Apo said Villegas "loves his family with all his heart and he hopes the best for all of them and will support them in all that they do."

"He is of the mindset that unless and until he becomes a productive member of society, he's not going to earn the forgiveness of his family," Apo said. "I think this was a very unfortunate learning experience for him. He does get it."

Villegas agreed to appear by videoconference from Maui Community Correctional Center for his sentencing.

"I just want to apologize to my family that I love so much," he said. "Everything that I did was out of my nature. I just ask that they resume their life to the fullest. And if they need any support from me, I'll be glad to pitch in my love and support."

In sentencing Villegas to prison, 2nd Circuit Judge Kelsey Kawano followed the plea agreement.

"It reflects a fair disposition," he said, noting that facts were expected to be contested at a trial.

"In this case, the alleged facts were egregious," Kawano said.

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