In a recent court ruling, federal inmate David Akui-Cabanilla, III, has been sentenced to an additional seven years in prison for assaulting two correctional officers. He attacked the officers while detained at the Federal Detention Center in Honolulu, where he was awaiting trial for a separate federal charge. The assault involved the use of makeshift weapons, including a locked metal padlock and a shiv made from a razor blade. The attack left one officer unconscious and resulted in injuries for multiple officers, requiring medical attention and ongoing physical therapy treatment. As part of the sentence, Akui-Cabanilla is also required to pay restitution for the medical bills incurred by the officers. The severity of the attack has led to strong condemnations from U.S. Attorney Clare E. Connors and FBI Special Agent in Charge Steven Merrill.
U.S. District Court Judge Sentences Federal Inmate to Seven More Years in Prison
Assault on Correctional Officers
The U.S. District Court Judge Leslie E. Kobayashi has sentenced federal inmate David Akui-Cabanilla, III to an additional seven years in prison for assaulting two correctional officers. The assault took place at the Federal Detention Center in Honolulu on March 23, 2020, while Akui-Cabanilla was detained prior to his trial for possessing a firearm as a convicted felon.
Lengthy Sentence Imposed
Judge Kobayashi’s decision to impose a lengthy sentence on Akui-Cabanilla underscores the severity of the assault on the correctional officers. The inmate will serve 84 more months in prison, with this sentence running consecutively to a previous 34-month sentence for his firearm conviction. The judge’s decision sends a strong message that violent behavior will not be tolerated within the federal prison system.
Previous Sentence for Firearm Conviction
Prior to the assault on the correctional officers, Akui-Cabanilla had already been sentenced to 34 months in prison for possession of a firearm as a convicted felon. The sentence was imposed on March 8, 2022. The consecutive nature of the sentences reflects the seriousness of Akui-Cabanilla’s criminal actions and demonstrates the court’s commitment to holding him accountable for his crimes.
Details of the Assault
Court documents provide a detailed account of the nature of the assaults on the correctional officers. While engaged in their official duties, the officers were attacked by Akui-Cabanilla in a premeditated manner. The defendant had prepared two makeshift weapons for the attacks. The first weapon was a long tube sock tied to a locked metal padlock. The second weapon was a shiv made from a razor blade with a piece of bedsheet tied around one end to simulate a handle.
Weapons Used by the Inmate
Akui-Cabanilla utilized two different weapons during the assault on the correctional officers. The first weapon was the tube sock tied to a locked metal padlock. This improvised weapon was used to render Correctional Officer D.M. unconscious. The second weapon was a shiv made from a razor blade and a bedsheets, which was used to further attack the officers and facilitate an apparent escape attempt.
Injuries Sustained by Officers
The assault on the correctional officers resulted in significant injuries. Correctional Officer D.M. was rendered unconscious by the attack with the metal padlock. Additionally, Officer D.C. was assaulted and sustained injuries, including being sprayed in the face with pepper spray. Multiple officers required medical attention and ongoing physical therapy treatment to recover from the injuries sustained during the assault.
Restitution for Medical Bills
As part of the sentencing, Judge Kobayashi ordered David Akui-Cabanilla to pay $24,508.92 in restitution for the medical bills incurred by the correctional officers. These medical bills were paid by the U.S. Department of Labor’s Office of Workers’ Compensation Programs. The restitution serves to compensate the officers for their medical expenses resulting from the injuries they sustained during the assault.
Statements from Officials
U.S. Attorney Clare E. Connors commented on the viciousness of the attack and emphasized the importance of correctional officers’ role in protecting the community. She highlighted that while there have been cases of correctional officers violating inmates’ civil rights, it is crucial to recognize the lawful actions of the majority of correctional officers in maintaining safety within prisons.
FBI Special Agent in Charge Steven Merrill expressed the FBI’s commitment to aggressively investigating and prosecuting violent crimes against law enforcement officers. He labeled the assault on the correctional officers as absolutely unacceptable and reiterated the seriousness with which the FBI takes such acts of brutality.
FBI Investigation
The conviction of David Akui-Cabanilla for the assault on the correctional officers is the result of a thorough FBI investigation. The FBI’s involvement in the case demonstrates the agency’s dedication to ensuring the safety and well-being of law enforcement officers. The investigation played a crucial role in gathering evidence and building a strong case against the inmate.
Prosecution and Contact Information
Assistant U.S. Attorney Mohammad Khatib is responsible for prosecuting the case against David Akui-Cabanilla. For further information regarding the case, individuals can contact the prosecution team through the provided contact information. The prosecution team is available to address any inquiries or concerns related to the case.