LIHU‘E — A Lihu‘e man has been released after serving more that seven months in jail for gun charges and terroristic threatening. Michael H. Vea Jr., 36, appeared for sentencing Wednesday before 5th Circuit Court Judge Kathleen Watanabe. He pleaded
LIHU‘E — A Lihu‘e man has been released after serving more that seven months in jail for gun charges and terroristic threatening.
Michael H. Vea Jr., 36, appeared for sentencing Wednesday before 5th Circuit Court Judge Kathleen Watanabe.
He pleaded guilty in July to ownership or possession of firearms, a prohibited item for his prior felony, and to first-degree terroristic threatening. Both are class C felonies.
Deputy Public Defender Christian Enright told the court that when Vea, an avid hunter, was arrested earlier this year he was in the midst of a depression, unable to find work and drinking heavily.
“The man that stands before you is a different man than at arraignment,” Enright said.
“I think Mr. Vea is ready to go home … if you place him on probation I don’t think you will see him back again.”
Dressed in an orange jumpsuit, Vea told the court he was sorry for his actions.
“I won’t resort to violence again,” he said. “I want to be a father to my children.”
He added that he was “grateful for a second chance in life.”
Deputy Prosecuting Attorney Melinda Mendes told the court that she was concerned that Vea was downplaying the incident.
“She (his girlfriend) was terrified. Not only for herself, but her children,” Mendes said. “This is something that he needs to learn from.”
Mendes added that Vea knew he wasn’t allowed to be hunting with firearms, but chose to anyway.
Watanabe told Vea that there are good reasons why felons are not allowed to own or possess firearms.
“It’s the reason you are in court today,” she said.
Ultimately, Watanabe honored the plea agreement. Vea has been sentenced to credit for time served and five years felony probation. He has also been ordered to attend a domestic violence intervention program, forfeit all firearms and complete a hunter safety course.
Should he violate the terms of his probation, Vea could face five to 20 years.
“Bottom line, no more firearms, no more alcohol,” Watanabe said.
“You’re going to go home. Just make sure you don’t come back.”
