Detective William Brown was apprehended last week on charges of felony perjury and misdemeanor tampering with a government record. He was subsequently released on his own recognizance on the day of his arrest.
The Office of Attorney General Anne Lopez made public the arrest and charges on Dec. 6. The office revealed that the felony perjury charge is linked to an incident in March 2023, when Brown is alleged to have given false testimony during a third circuit grand jury proceeding. The misdemeanor charge of tampering with a public record arose when this statement was included in an application for probable cause.
Acting Attorney General Matthew Dvonch, who is currently serving in that capacity while Lopez is out of state, commented on the situation. "The public expects law enforcement officers to exhibit the highest level of integrity. The Department of the Attorney General works with county law enforcement partners to hold accountable and prosecute anyone who violates the laws they are tasked with enforcing," said Dvonch.
According to details provided by Hawaii Island Police Department, members there became aware of these allegations on July 18, 2023. Subsequently, the Office of Professional Standards (OPS) collaborated with the Hawaii County Office of the Prosecutors Attorney (OPA) to secure release from custody for the grand jury subject. A criminal investigation into Officer Brown was initiated by the Criminal Investigation Section of OPS.
Chief Benjamin Moszkowicz expressed his views on these serious allegations against Brown. "If proven, these charges represent a significant breach of public trust. The actions described in today's court filing are not acceptable and are inconsistent with our department's commitment to conduct business with the highest level of integrity," stated Moszkowicz.
Brown has been suspended without pay as per a news release from Hawaii Island Police.
As detailed in a press release from the attorney general’s office, perjury is classified as a class C felony. If convicted, Brown could face a penalty of 5 years in prison and a fine of $10,000. This fine could be imposed even if Brown does not receive the maximum prison sentence. The misdemeanor tampering charge carries a maximum penalty of one year in prison and a $2,000 fine, which may or may not be levied if Brown does not serve the full year in prison.