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Pool photo
Ricardo Rodriguez-Pantoja, aka Jose China, entered
a 'no contest' plea in a Maui policeman's death.

Mexican convicted of
killing Maui cop

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By Gary Kubota
Maui correspondent

WAILUKU -- Maui Prosecutor Richard Bissen said he consulted with the family of a police officer killed in a traffic accident before proceeding with a plea agreement with the man whose vehicle caused the death.

Ricardo Rodriguez-Pantoja, 26, a Mexican national, pleaded no contest to first-degree negligent homicide Thursday. He remained held on $100,000 bail.

As part of the plea agreement, prosecutors will be able to seek up to up to 10 years in prison at Rodriguez-Pantoja's sentencing on Oct. 18 before Maui Circuit Judge Artemio Baxa.

"It was a favorable outcome," Bissen said. "He's going to get deported when he's done serving his sentence."

Maui police officer Gene Williams was directing traffic at a road project on Honoapiilani Highway near Puukolii in west Maui at about 3 a.m. on the morning of Aug. 9, 1999, when a pickup truck driven by Rodriguez-Pantoja struck a car. The car struck and pinned Williams. 38, as both vehicles caught on fire.

Rodriguez-Pantoja, also known as JoseA. China, fled the scene but was later arrested nearby.

Maui police said he had a blood-alcohol level above the legal limit.

Rodriguez-Pantoja also pleaded no contest to leaving the scene of an accident involving a death, driving without a license, and having no automobile insurance.