The Department of the Attorney General in Hawaii has successfully prosecuted Jose Salas for multiple offenses of sexual assault involving a minor. The case resulted in Salas being found guilty of Continuous Sexual Assault of a Minor Under the Age of Fourteen, classified as a Class A felony, in addition to four counts of Sexual Assault in the Third Degree, which are Class C felonies.
Attorney General Anne Lopez highlighted the significance of the conviction, stating, “This conviction reflects our unwavering commitment to protecting Hawaiʻi’s children and ensuring that survivors of sexual abuse receive the justice they deserve.” She also expressed gratitude for the collaborative efforts of law enforcement, victim advocates, and the legal team that contributed to the conviction.
The investigation was led by the Honolulu Police Department with assistance from the Children’s Justice Center and the Sex Abuse Treatment Center. The lead prosecutor for the trial was Deputy Attorney General Loren Haugen from the Criminal Justice Division.
The trial took place in the Circuit Court of the First Circuit and lasted eight days, presided over by Judge Trish K. Morikawa. Sentencing for Salas is set for July 10, 2025, where he faces a possible maximum sentence of 20 years in prison with the possibility of parole.
Salas's conviction represents a significant step in the ongoing efforts to address and prosecute cases of sexual assault against minors in Hawaii. The outcome is seen as a testament to the diligence and dedication of the involved parties working to secure justice for the victims.