LIHU‘E — Ha‘ena resident Gregory Fejeran Jr., 59, pleaded no contest Tuesday to a charge of second degree assault in a January stabbing that hospitalized an O‘ahu man.
Fejeran, appearing at the Fifth Circuit Court in Lihu‘e Tuesday via Zoom while wearing a face mask, agreed to a deal in which prosecutors reduced his charge from attempted murder in exchange for his plea.
Fejeran was arrested Jan. 9 around 7 p.m. after police responded to a reported stabbing at a Wainiha residence.
Arriving on the scene, Kaua‘i Police Department and Kaua‘i Fire Department personnel found a 52-year-old O‘ahu man who had been stabbed multiple times with a knife.
The victim, later identified as Dana Ratledge, was transported to Wilcox Medical Center, and transferred to The Queen’s Medical Center on O‘ahu. He was reported to have been in stable condition in late January.
“Gregory Fejeran Jr. did intentionally cause substantial bodily injury to Dana Ratledge, thereby committing assault in the second degree,” said Deputy Prosecuting Attorney Jared Brickey, reading the statement of facts amended in the plea deal.
District Court Chief Judge Randal Valenciano further described the plea agreement, in which Fejeran agreed to serve an open term of five years, with credit for time served, and agreed to pay restitution without a contested-restitution hearing.
Valenciano clarified that he was not obligated to follow the plea bargain during sentencing, and could give any lawful sentence.
Assault in the second degree is a Class C felony, subject to a maximum penalty of five years in jail and a $10,000 fine.
Fejeran confirmed to the court that he reached the plea bargain knowingly and voluntarily, with adequate legal council.
His no-contest plea differs from a guilty plea in that the defendant accepts the conviction but avoids a factual admission of guilt.
Fejeran’s attorney Lisa Arin declined to comment on the case until sentencing has concluded.
The court set sentencing for Aug. 18 at 8 a.m.
•••
Guthrie Scrimgeour, reporter, can be reached at 647-0329 or gscrimgeour@thegardenisland.com.
