LIHUE — A Lihue man was sentenced to a year in jail for methamphetamine possession on Thursday in 5th Circuit Court. Reuben Kunane Louis will also enter the 5th Circuit Drug Court program in conjunction with a four-year probation. “I
LIHUE — A Lihue man was sentenced to a year in jail for methamphetamine possession on Thursday in 5th Circuit Court.
Reuben Kunane Louis will also enter the 5th Circuit Drug Court program in conjunction with a four-year probation.
“I want to tell the community and my family that I am sorry and ask for their forgiveness,” Louis said.
State Deputy Public Defender Samuel Jajich said this is a case of a man who has come to terms with a lifelong addiction. Louis said he started with drugs at the age of 12, and has resisted opportunities to clean up in the past.
Now, at age 30, Louis is ready to receive that help.
County Deputy Prosecuting Attorney Jennifer Winn said that the plea agreement encompassing three cases stipulated a five-year prison term for the methamphetamine possession.
The state also recommended a concurrent six-month jail term in a second case where Louis refused to stop his vehicle for police — and then fled the area when he did.
Louis pleaded no contest to the methamphetamine charge on May 8.
He pleaded no contest to resisting an order to stop on April 14.
Chief Judge Randal Valenciano said he was not sure how serious Louis is about wanting to change but was willing to give him the chance.
The judge set aside the plea agreement that called for prison and ordered Louis to probation with drug court and one year in jail.
