Man returned to jail for 18 months for his part in robbery

WAILUKU — A Haiku man was taken into custody Tuesday to finish serving an 18-month jail term for his part in robbing a Haliimaile man last year.

Cameron Medeiros, 24, also was placed on four years’ probation as part of his sentence.

He had pleaded no contest to second-degree robbery of Richard Ingram, who reported being beaten and robbed at gunpoint in his home June 11, 2017.

According to police, Medeiros was identified as one of two men wearing visored motorcycle helmets who entered Ingram’s home and stole money and prescription medication from a safe. Ingram told police he was pistol whipped by one man, who also tried to shoot him.

While commending Medeiros for “doing the best you can” while he was free on supervision for more than four months, 2nd Circuit Judge Peter Cahill told the defendant, “I have to sentence you for the crime that was committed.”

“You broke into somebody’s home and you stole $20,000,” Cahill told Medeiros.

Two others were charged along with Medeiros, who had spent about nine months in jail before being released on supervision April 12.

In court Tuesday, he asked for no additional jail.

His attorney David Wiltsie said Medeiros was working and has a pregnant girlfriend. Probation could help Medeiros, who is interested in participating in drug treatment, Wiltsie said.

Deputy Prosecutor Emlyn Higa recommended the 18month jail term for Medeiros, noting that a report prepared for his sentencing indicated he had done poorly while released on supervision.

The report also said Medeiros had done very poorly while on probation in the past.

“Notwithstanding his young age, he seems to be accumulating a very significant record and has done very poorly on probation,” Higa said.

In offering Medeiros a plea deal recommending jail and probation rather than prison, Higa said the prosecution hoped Medeiros would take his responsibilities on probation seriously.

“He needs to be aware he’s going to be in great peril if he does not change his attitude toward probation and make it the priority of his life,” Higa said. “He has no margin of error.”

As part of his probation, Medeiros was ordered not to consume or possess illegal drugs and paraphernalia.

His probation was revoked in a 2016 case where he was convicted of unauthorized control of a propelled vehicle, and he was resentenced to probation.

Judge Cahill said he might consider modifying Medeiros’ sentence if he is accepted into a residential drug treatment program.

Co-defendant Anthony Palladino, 28, of Wailuku was sentenced in June to a five-year prison term after he had pleaded no contest to reduced charges of second-degree burglary in the case.

According to court records, Palladino was in the home with Ingram when the robbery occurred. He reportedly was paid for participating in the robbery by making sure that the door to the house was unlocked, according to court records.

Charges are pending against a third suspect, Keawe Amimoto-Kaihewalu, 32, of Kahului. He is charged with first-degree robbery, second-degree attempted murder, second-degree assault, second-degree theft and criminal conspiracy to commit first-degree robbery.

Cahill said he would set a restitution hearing for the three co-defendants.

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