Two civilian dispatchers with the Honolulu Police Department and three others who ran a dice game at an Aiea home pleaded either guilty or no contest yesterday to charges of promoting gambling. 2 police dispatchers
face gambling fines3 others also bargain with the
prosecutor to avoid prison timeBy Leila Fujimori
lfujimori@starbulletin.comDispatchers James Frank Ward and Trisha T. Takayesu are being fired by HPD, Deputy Prosecutor Randal Lee said.
Because of a plea bargain with the prosecutor's office, none of the five will serve any jail time, but all will be fined.
If the case had gone to trial, "it would be highly unlikely they would receive jail terms in light of their minimal or no criminal records," Lee said.
"Trial was not an option," said Scott Collins, attorney for the five defendants, adding his clients wanted to take responsibility for their actions.
Police conducted a three-month undercover operation, from July 1 to Sept. 27, into the casino-type gambling being conducted at Ward's Aiea townhouse.
They seized a craps table, two video gambling machines and cash.
Collins said his clients thought it was a form of social gambling and collected money for food.
"Because the game was so popular, it got large," he said.
Dispatcher Trisha Takayesu pleaded no contest to five counts of promoting gambling in the second degree, a misdemeanor, and as part of the plea arrangement will have one count of first-degree promotion of gambling dismissed. She faces up to $1,500 in fines.
Takayesu, who was the hostess at the gatherings and served refreshments, played a minor role in the operation, Lee said.
The others, who pleaded to one count of first-degree gambling, played the bank or stick man at the dice table, Collins said.
Ward, a 14-year HPD veteran, pleaded no contest and may be fined up to $2,500.
Brother and sister Ray K. and Iris N. Takeshita pleaded guilty and agreed to fines of $5,000 and $1,500, respectively. Romeo F. Marzan Jr. pleaded guilty and agreed to a fine of $2,500.
Sentencing is scheduled for July 8.