LIHU’E — A Kapa’a man accused of kidnapping, sexual assault and harassment, will be undergoing a mental-health examination. David Keeler, 40, recently asked Circuit Court Judge Kathleen Watanabe to be medically examined, with the results to be used as part
LIHU’E — A Kapa’a man accused of kidnapping, sexual assault and harassment, will be undergoing a mental-health examination.
David Keeler, 40, recently asked Circuit Court Judge Kathleen Watanabe to be medically examined, with the results to be used as part of his defense against the accusations.
Watanabe OK’d the request after county Prosecuting Attorney Craig De Costa said he had no objections.
Keeler also wanted Watanabe’s OK to suppress any statements made by him to Kaua’i Police Department officers when he was arrested in September.
Watanabe held off on Keeler’s request to suppress statements until the mental examination is completed.
In court records, Keeler’s attorney, Randal Valenciano, wrote that Keeler was interviewed by KPD Detective Samuel Sheldon. Prior to discussing the allegations, Keeler told Sheldon that he was under a doctor’s care for a mental disorder.
Valenciano wrote that, if the medical examination indicates that Keeler did not act voluntarily, or if he unknowingly waived his rights to keep silent, what Keeler said, and any evidence obtained, should be thrown out of court.
Keeler pleaded not guilty to one count of kidnapping, two counts of sexual assault and one count of harassment on Sept. 12, after being indicted by members of a Kaua’i grand jury in August.
According to the indictment, Keeler restrained a female with the intent to subject her to a sexual offense, sexually assaulted the alleged victim twice, and harassed her.
The allegations, according to the two-page indictment, took place Feb. 22.
If convicted on all counts, Keeler faces a maximum of 30 years and 30 days behind bars.
Keeler was released after posting $30,050 bail.
