Charges dropped against former island residents

LIHUE — Florida prosecutors dropped charges of racketeering and money laundering against two of three men extradited from Kauai in 2012.

Darrin Shapiro, 40, formerly of Princeville, and Jarrett Shapiro, 44, formerly of Kalaheo, will not face felony charges, according to documents of the 9th Judicial Circuit Court of Florida.

The Orange County Prosecutor’s office filed nolle prosequi motions to withdraw charges of racketeering, conspiracy to commit racketeering, and money laundering charges against the two men.

The two pleaded no contest to noncompliance with reporting requirements regarding the three pain management clinics they operated in Florida. However, adjudication on the charge was withheld.

Jarrett Shapiro did receive a one-year term of probation and a 19-day jail sentence with 34 days credit for time already served regarding the noncompliance charge.

Both defendants were ordered to pay the cost of prosecution as a condition of probation.

Their father, Lewis Ray Shapiro, 67, formerly of Princeville, pleaded guilty to three first-degree felony charges of racketeering and money laundering on May 1. His sentencing is scheduled for Nov. 7.

The 2012 extradition request from Kauai followed a 14-month investigation by Florida police. There was a raid on the three pain clinics and $985,000 in cash was discovered inside the Florida home of Lewis Shapiro.

At the time of the raids, the three Shapiros had already relocated to Kauai, where they opened the island’s only opioid-prescribing and marijuana card-issuing clinic. It closed in January 2012 amidst demonstrations and protests.

The Shapiros fought extradition but 5th Circuit Court judges denied their motions and the three were back in Florida by mid-February 2012.

Darrin Shapiro could not be reached prior to publication. He currently lives in Florida and competes and coaches professional wake boarding.