Former HPD officer gets 5 years’ probation
A former Honolulu police officer was sentenced to five years probation in Circuit Court yesterday after pleading guilty to promotion of a dangerous drug, possession of drug paraphernalia and a firearm.
"I take full responsibility for using drugs," said Rogelio Mata, 62, before acting Circuit Judge David Lo.
"I will never do it again," said Mata, who was earlier convicted for his role in a Hawaii Kai burglary ring.
Mata and four others were arrested in a police drug raid at his Kalihi home in October 2004.
Deputy Prosecutor Melissa Karlen displayed photos of security cameras installed throughout Mata's home.
Glass pipes, crystal methamphetamine, cocaine and scales were recovered from the home. Law enforcement authorities also recovered 83 .22-caliber rounds of ammunition and a Winchester 190 rifle.
Mata had already served 348 days in prison awaiting trial.
In 1991, Mata, then a Honolulu police officer, was convicted of conspiracy for his role in the burglary ring. Prosecutors said he used information he had gathered as an officer to identify homes to burglarize. They also said Mata kept the thieves up-to-date with the status of the burglary investigations.
Mata served 10 years in prison for that case and was released in July 2002.