Carlos Frate, Unjustified Tasing, Hawaii 2025

Former Maui Police Officer Sentenced to 65 Months for Unjustified Tasing

Carlos Frate, 41, a former Maui Police Department officer, was sentenced to 65 months in prison followed by three years of supervised release for using unreasonable force against an arrestee.

Frate previously pled guilty in August 2025 to one count of deprivation of rights under color of law.

The incident occurred on Jan. 6, 2024, when Frate repeatedly tased an arrestee, despite the arrestee not resisting or posing any threat. Frate admitted that he knew his force was unjustified but continued to tase the arrestee despite their pleas for him to stop.

“The defendant’s acts were abusive and unbecoming of the oath he swore to protect the public,” said Assistant Attorney General Harmeet K. Dhillon of the Civil Rights Division.

“Law enforcement officers who abuse their positions of power will be held accountable by this Administration,” said Dhillon.

“Today’s sentence should serve as a reminder that no one is above the law,” said U.S. Attorney Ken Sorenson for the District of Hawaii. “Our law enforcement officers play an invaluable role in our community, serving at the frontline in preventing and investigating crime, protecting our citizens, and keeping Hawaii safe.

“We entrust them with enormous power and expect them to wield that power responsibly and constitutionally,” said Sorenson. “While the vast majority of law enforcement officers conduct their duties with honor, integrity, and restraint, we are committed to bring to justice those who on the rare occasion violate the public trust by abusing their power or using excessive force.

“Trust between our citizens and the men and women of law enforcement who serve them is foundational to the safety and success of any community,” said Special Agent in Charge David Porter of the FBI Honolulu Field Office. “By using excessive force and abusing the power entrusted in him, the defendant didn’t just break the law — he betrayed the community’s trust and made the job more difficult for the vast majority of law enforcement putting in good work every day.

The FBI investigated the case based on a referral from the Maui Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael F. Albanese for the District of Hawaii and Trial Attorney Julia White of the Civil Rights Division prosecuted the case.

Mandatory Facts:

Defendant/Respondent: Carlos Frate, 41

Criminal Charges: Deprivation of Rights under Color of Law

City and State: Maui, Hawaii

Exact Date: Jan. 6, 2024 (incident date) and August 2025 (guilty plea date)

Sentence or Outcome: 65 months in prison followed by three years of supervised release

Defendant’s REAL full name or legal entity name: Carlos Frate

Exact criminal charges: Deprivation of Rights under Color of Law

City and state: Maui, Hawaii

EXACT DATE with month/day/year: Jan. 6, 2024 and August 2025

Sentence or outcome: 65 months in prison followed by three years of supervised release

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