HONOLULU – In a shocking case of police misconduct, Carlos Frate, a 40-year-old former Maui Police Department officer, pleaded guilty to one count of using unreasonable force against an arrestee on Jan. 6, 2024. According to the plea agreement, Frate repeatedly tased the arrestee, even though the arrestee was not resisting or posing any threat. Frate admitted that he knew that his force was unjustified, but he nonetheless continued to tase the arrestee despite the arrestee’s pleas for him to stop.
“Officers who abuse their position of authority to inflict excessive force must be held accountable,” said Assistant Attorney General Harmeet K. Dhillon of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division. “The Civil Rights Division will continue to work with our law enforcement partners to investigate — and where appropriate, prosecute — alleged police misconduct.”
“Our police officers are entrusted to protect our citizens and perform their duties professionally, and it is the norm here in Hawaii that our law enforcement officers faithfully serve and protect us. In those rare instances where an officer abuses the public trust by using excessive force, that officer will be held accountable and prosecuted,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Ken Sorenson for the District of Hawaii. “This Office will continue to safeguard the constitutional rights of all of Hawaii’s citizens, including individuals under arrest.”
According to the plea agreement, Frate faces a maximum penalty of ten years in prison. His final sentence will be determined at a hearing scheduled for Jan. 6, 2026 by U.S. District Judge Micah W. J. Smith based on the advisory sentencing guidelines and other statutory factors.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation is investigating the case based on a referral from the Maui Police Department. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael F. Albanese for the District of Hawaii and Trial Attorney Julia White of the Civil Rights Division’s Criminal Section.
Defendant: Carlos Frate
Criminal Charge: One count of using unreasonable force against an arrestee
City and State: Honolulu, Hawaii
Exact Date: Jan. 6, 2024 (crime date)
Sentence: To be determined at a hearing on Jan. 6, 2026
Defendant’s Age: 40
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Key Facts
- State: Hawaii
- Category: Public Corruption
- Source: DOJ Press Release â†â€â€
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