Drug raid sweeps up
ex-police officer
He is among 5 held as police seize
drugs at his Kalihi residence
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Police said Rogelio Mata, 62, was arrested about 7:20 a.m. yesterday for possession of drugs and drug paraphernalia at a home at 1723 Kamehameha IV Road. He also had outstanding warrants, police said.
A 43-year-old woman and three men, ages 36, 37 and 38, were also arrested, police said. The arrests came after a four-month investigation.
Police said they seized drugs, a rifle and electronic equipment from the home.
Neighbors confirmed that Mata lives at the home.
They also said that there were frequently people coming and going from the house at all hours of the day and night.
"He doesn't bother us, and we don't bother him," said a neighbor who did not want to be identified.
Mata was convicted in 1991 for conspiracy to commit burglary.
In that case, prosecutors said Mata used information he gathered as an officer to identify homes to burglarize and to inform the thieves of the progress of investigations into the burglaries.
A former locksmith and three others were convicted for the actual robberies of homes.
Four Hawaii Kai homes were burglarized, including one in which a fellow police officer lived, court documents said.
After his conviction, Mata contended that he was innocent and sued the state, alleging that he was denied his right to a fair trial. A Hawaii Supreme Court decision on the case affirmed Mata's conviction.
Last night, police said charges against Mata and the others arrested in the raid were pending. The five were being held at Honolulu police headquarters' cellblock.