Convicted sex offender admits he assaulted boy

A Kapahulu man convicted more than 10 years ago of fondling a boy has admitted to similar conduct involving a 10-year-old he met at a Moiliili electronic game store.

Christopher Brainerd, 42, of Kapahulu initially denied touching the boy but pleaded guilty as charged on Monday to five counts of third-degree sexual assault and one count of failing to comply with sex offender registry requirements.

The assaults allegedly took place between August and October at Brainerd's Kapahulu residence and a former residence in Makiki. The boy, a fifth-grader, had met Brainerd in the third grade at the Da Planet shop, where Brainerd would buy him food and game cards, according to police.

Under a plea agreement, Brainerd agreed to serve the maximum five years on each of the counts, to be served concurrently, and not seek early release. In exchange, the state will not seek consecutive or extended terms. He also agreed on Monday to turn himself in immediately.

Brainerd was previously convicted in 1996 for fondling an 8-year-old boy. He was placed on five years' probation, with one year in jail. He also allegedly completed Hawaii's sex offender treatment program.

"Obviously, those attempts at rehabilitation didn't work," said Deputy Prosecutor Scott Bell.

Brainerd's attorney could not be reached for comment.

Brainerd will be sentenced July 18 before Circuit Court Judge Karl Sakamoto.