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Wahiawa child abuser
could face 10 years

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By Debra Barayuga
Star-Bulletin

The state is expected to seek a maximum 10-year prison term for a Wahiawa man who pleaded guilty to sexually assaulting two of his adopted daughters and striking a foster son.

But the attorney for Freddie Yadao Jr., 45, said he will argue for probation when his client is sentenced March 12.

Yadao accepted a plea agreement earlier this month to spare the children from having to relive the events on the witness stand, said attorney William Harrison.

The plea agreement required Yadao to plead guilty to second- and third-degree sexual assault, attempted second-degree sexual assault and endangering the welfare of a minor, said Deputy Prosecutor Renee Sonobe-Hong.

Yadao admitted to sexually assaulting a daughter on two occasions -- in April 1997 when she was 7 years old and in July 1999 when she was 9 years old.

He also admitted to subjecting his 12-year-old adopted daughter to sexual contact in June 1998. He also struck his 8-year-old son knowing his actions could cause substantial bodily injury. He also admitted he violated his legal duty to care for his 2-year-old son "by not protecting him from harms he received by my wife and I while in my custody."

At sentencing for his wife, Sharon Mae, who was indicted on similar charges, prosecutors alluded to occasions where the couple's 2-year-old was forced to eat his own feces and vomit.

Harrison disputed the allegations. The child would put food in his mouth and spit it out on the table. His parents would make him eat what he spit out, Harrison said.

Sharon Mae Yadao was sentenced to eight months in prison and five years probation.