Shooter at airport
pleads guiltyThe Kauai man faces life
imprisonment in the assault
of a security officer in May
A 24-year-old Kauai man pleaded guilty in U.S. District Court yesterday to a charge of assaulting a federal officer.
Lloyd Albinio was charged last month with threatening a Transportation Safety Administration officer at Lihue Airport by firing a handgun into the floor and later into the ceiling.
The officer confronted Albinio after he bypassed security checkpoints and entered a secured area near the Hawaiian Airlines baggage claim.
When asked yesterday by U.S. Magistrate Barry Kurren to explain what happened, Albinio said: "I walked in, threatened the guard. I shot two shots. I was arrested."
He also said he threatened individuals in the gate area, telling them to get down, and then pointed the gun at himself.
Deputy federal public defender Peter Wolff said Albinio's response was based on what was told to him at the Mahelona Medical Center, where he was brought after the incident.
"He didn't really know what had happened, and after he was told what happened, it interfered with his memory," Wolff said.
Wolff had claimed that Albinio was suffering from a psychological breakdown at the time and was hearing voices.
Albinio's family has said he had no history of mental illness. Although he admitted to using crystal methamphetamine, there was none in his system on the day of the incident.
Since his arrest, Albinio has been on antipsychotic medication and has been cooperative, said Assistant U.S. Attorney Wes Porter.
Albinio faces a maximum of life imprisonment when sentenced Nov. 17.
Under a plea agreement, the government will not ask for more that what federal sentencing guidelines dictate, and Albinio has agreed not to seek less.
Kurren will hear a request Thursday by Albinio's attorney for him to be released pending sentencing, under certain conditions.
The government is expected to oppose the request, particularly since Albinio has pleaded guilty, Porter said.