8-14-24 Police Arrest Kona Teen for Multiple Child Pornography Offenses

Hawai’i Police Department
Area II Criminal Investigation Division
Captain Akira Edmoundson
Phone: (808) 326-4646, Ext. 263

Media Release

Following a year-long joint investigation with federal law enforcement agencies, Hawai’i Island police arrested and charged 18-year-old Dominic Roberts of Kailua-Kona with 10 offenses related to the production, possession, and distribution of child pornography.

Roberts was initially arrested in December 2023, at the age of 17, but has since turned 18. On Monday, August 12, 2024, he was found fit to be tried as an adult in the adult criminal court by a state family court judge. Roberts was released from the custody of family court and taken into police custody under the strength of an arrest warrant for the following offenses:

• First-degree promoting of child abuse (production)
• Two counts of second-degree promoting of child abuse (possession of 30 or more images or videos depicting child pornography, and at least one image containing a minor under the age of 12, sadomasochistic abuse of a minor, or bestiality involving a minor).
• Five counts of second-degree promoting child abuse (disseminating child pornography)
• Two counts use of a computer in the commission of a separate crime

His total bail was set at $130,000.

The offenses of use of a computer in the commission of a separate crime and first-degree promoting of child abuse are Class A felonies.

The offenses of second-degree promoting of child abuse are Class B felonies.

Roberts made his initial appearance in district court on Tuesday, August 13, where the court maintained his bail.

These charges stem from tips received from the community and our multiple federal partners that led to the execution of numerous search warrants, which led to the recovery of numerous electronic devices.

Police would like to remind the community to take the steps necessary to keep their children safe when browsing the internet and utilizing social media.  

Police ask anyone who may have additional information on the incident or know the identity of other victims to contact Detective Chandler Nacino of the Area II Juvenile Aid Section at (808) 326-4646, ext. 301, or by email at chandler.nacino@hawaiicounty.gov.