Police officer indicted
in ‘ice’ sale

James Leslie Corn Jr. allegedly
offered a dealer "protection"

A federal grand jury has indicted Honolulu police officer James Leslie Corn Jr. for his role in the sale of two pounds of crystal methamphetamine during an undercover drug sting.

Undercover agents arrested Corn on Aug. 25 shortly after he accepted $1,000 from a drug dealer for allegedly providing "protection" during an "ice" transaction that took place at Starbucks in Ward Centre.

After his arrest, Corn admitted to "supplying protection" to the drug dealer, who unbeknownst to him was an undercover officer, according to police. He also admitted to selling an unregistered revolver to the drug dealer.

If convicted, Corn faces a mandatory minimum of 10 years' imprisonment and a $4 million fine. He is expected to be arraigned in U.S. District Court on Monday.

Last week, the court ordered Corn to be held without bail pending trial after prosecutors argued that he is a flight risk and a danger to the community based on the nature of the charges.

The court also granted Corn's request for a mental health and substance abuse assessment. He has admitted to being addicted to cocaine and to having sold small quantities in the past year.