LIHU‘E — Two cases involving sexual assaults of a woman and two minors in early 2010 were resolved Wednesday afternoon in 5th Circuit Court. Ernest Johnston, 69, of Lihu‘e, apologized to the court for his slow speech, saying that radiation
LIHU‘E — Two cases involving sexual assaults of a woman and two minors in early 2010 were resolved Wednesday afternoon in 5th Circuit Court.
Ernest Johnston, 69, of Lihu‘e, apologized to the court for his slow speech, saying that radiation treatment for his cancer makes it difficult to speak.
With defense Counsel Gregory Meyers at his side, and his family with him in court, Johnston stood at the podium and said he accepted responsibility for his actions.
In a plea deal involving two cases Johnston pleaded guilty to three counts of second-degree sexual assault, all class B felonies that each carry a maximum 10-year prison sentence and $25,000 fine. Other fourth-degree sex-assault charges were dropped in the plea deal.
County Deputy Prosecuting Attorney Lisa Arin read the charges in open court. She said that a various times throughout 2010, Johnston used his hand for sexual penetration of a 28-year-old woman and two girls, ages 11 and 7.
Judge Kathleen Watanabe scheduled the sentencing hearing for Feb. 13, 2013.
