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Former Maui Police Lt. Michael Vaituulala has been denied bail for a second time as he faces accusations that he accepted bribes to protect cockfighting rings and drug dealers.
Vaituulala, 53, faces a possible 20-year prison sentence and fines of up to $250,000 if convicted.
Federal authorities allege that Vaituulala used his position as head of the Maui Police Department's Criminal Investigation Unit to accept bribes and shield illegal activities.
In denying Vaituulala’s latest request for release, Judge Kenneth Mansfield found there had been no change in circumstances warranting the reopening of his detention hearing and that no conditions or combination of conditions would reasonably assure the safety of the community.
At his initial detention hearing Aug. 11, U.S. Magistrate Judge Rom Trader denied bail, finding that no conditions of release would reasonably mitigate the danger to the community. Trader ordered Vaituulala detained pending trial.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office also has argued that prematurely unsealing materials submitted to the court ex parte and in camera could jeopardize an ongoing investigation, lead to the destruction of evidence or witness tampering, and put confidential sources at risk by revealing their identities.
Prosecutors said the criminal complaint includes allegations involving the sharing of highly sensitive law enforcement information.
Defense attorney William Harrison said Tuesday he plans to appeal the decision denying his client bail.
Harrison noted that pretrial services had recommended Vaituulala’s release and argued that his client posed neither a danger to the community nor a flight risk.
Harrison also said the denial of his motion to unseal certain documents detailing the allegations against Vaituulala has left him “in the dark.”