LIHU‘E — A Kaua‘i man with a decades-long criminal history pleaded guilty on Tuesday to charges involving vehicle theft, criminal trespassing, attempting to escape police custody and assault of two police officers.
Jesse Kai Olanolan, 51, appeared before Fifth Circuit Court Judge Randal Valenciano to answer for his crimes, which stemmed from two different cases. He was represented by Public Defender Marissa Agena.
Deputy Prosecuting Attorney Matthew Arakawa read out the agreed statement of facts for both cases.
The first case occurred on June 16, 2021, after Olanolan was found criminally trespassing at the Princeville Resort. According to the document he “entered or remained unlawfully” at the resort, intending to commit a crime against a person or their property.
He was stated to have committed the offense of burglary in the second degree, a class C felony that comes with a maximum penalty of five years in jail and/or a $10,000 fine.
The following day, on June 17, Olanolan reportedly caused bodily injury to Kauai Police Department officers Daniel Ball and Stacy Lockhart, while trying to escape police custody, committing the offense of escape in the first degree. Olanolan also pled guilty to the offense, which is a class B felony and carries a maximum penalty of 10 years in jail and/or a $25,000 fine.
In addition, he pled guilty to two counts of third-degree assault of Ball and Lockhart, with each misdemeanor carrying a maximum penalty of one year in jail and/or a $2,000 fine.
During the incident, Olanolan was also charged with the possession of methamphetamine, resisting arrest and theft in the third degree for attempting to steal batteries, a glove and a bag at the resort with a total value of $250. Valenciano stated those charges would be permanently dismissed after sentencing.
The second case was reported to have occurred on May 9, 2022, when Olanolan tried to steal an excavator valued at over $20,000, committing the offense of theft in the first degree, according to court documents.
But in court Tuesday, the count had been amended to “the unauthorized control of a propelled vehicle,” reducing the charge from a class B felony to a misdemeanor carrying a maximum penalty of one year in jail and/or a $2,000 fine.
Valenciano went through each charge with Olanolan, asking why he was pleading guilty.
“Because there was a deal,” replied Olanolan at one point. “I just wanted to get it over with.”
Valenciano noted there are a number of other cases currently against Olanolan, including district court cases.
“This would indicate to the court that this is a global resolution of a number of cases,” said Valenciano before reading out the plea bargain.
For the vehicle theft case, Valenciano said the state is recommending probation, 30 days in jail, and restitution payments.
For the burglary case at the Princeville Resort and the subsequent attempt to escape custody and assault of two police officers, the state has recommended probation, 18 months in jail, the requirement of an anger management program, substance abuse evaluation and treatment, and restitution. Restitution payment amounts are expected to be determined at a later date.
Court records show that there have been 129 cases against Olanolan since 1994, including criminal complaints, domestic abuse allegations, and traffic crimes. In 2013, Valenciano sentenced Olanolan to five years in prison for eight parole violations.
The court found Olanolan guilty of all charges on Tuesday, and his sentencing is scheduled to take place at 8 a.m. on Jan. 25, 2024.
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Emma Grunwald, reporter, can be reached 808-652-0638 or egrunwald@thegardenisland.com.
There have been 129 cases against him ? And he gets 18 months in jail for trespassing, burglary, drug possession and injuring two police officers ? Seriously ?!?
We’re too soft on criminals.
I beg you all, all of you. Call the prosecuting attorney. (808 241 1888) Demand more time in jail. Demand justice. He will be stealing from you next. Don’t doubt that.