Bail increased in abuse case
The prosecutor says the defendant is a danger to the victim
A man accused of fondling an 8-year-old girl at a downtown Honolulu park last week is a danger to the victim and to the community, prosecutors said.
Paul Wailani Lincoln, 56, a "longtime criminal," had just been sentenced to probation a month earlier for misdemeanor theft -- raising questions as to whether he can follow rules if he is released on bail, Deputy Prosecutor Rom Trader said yesterday.
Lincoln is also pending trial in June on an indecent exposure charge, he said.
An Oahu grand jury indicted Lincoln yesterday with one count of third-degree sexual assault that allegedly occurred Wednesday at Beretania Community Park, 1290 Aala St.
Circuit Judge Derrick Chan granted the state's request to increase bail for Lincoln to $75,000 from $15,000.
Trader said Lincoln has an extensive criminal record of 47 arrests and 30 convictions, including eight felony convictions for robbery, theft, burglary and firearms offenses.
The girl had gone to the park Wednesday evening with other family members and was playing near the playground equipment with other children.
Lincoln, who is unemployed and homeless, allegedly approached the girl and fondled her, Trader said.
A plainclothes police officer on his meal break witnessed Lincoln's actions, and arrested him. The girl's grandfather also saw what happened.