Derrick Fujikawa, father of Hawaii pro golfer Tadd Fujikawa, faces at least a year in prison after pleading guilty yesterday to trafficking crystal methamphetamine to undercover police officers.

Teen Golfer's Dad Plead's Guilty

 

Tadd Fuijikawa's father pleaded guilty to tow counts of 2nd degree trafficking of methamphetamine.

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  Fujikawa, indicted in July last year, was accused of distributing an eighth of an ounce of crystal meth or “;ice”; to undercover police officers on Sept. 24 and Oct. 4, 2007.

He was initially charged with first-degree methamphetamine trafficking.

After pleading guilty yesterday to two reduced charges of second-degree trafficking, Fujikawa faces up to 10 years' imprisonment for each count.

However, Circuit Judge Steven Alm indicated he would recommend a lower sentence closer to the minimum of anywhere from “;one to four years”; as required by law for the drug charge.

“;This is an appropriate way to resolve this,”; Alm told Fujikawa, noting his clean criminal record.

Fujikawa was not a “;source”; to purchase drugs from, said his defense attorney, Victor Bakke. Bakke said Fujikawa was approached by undercover officers twice to procure methamphetamine.

Fujikawa, 45, said he knew how to get it, and in return, he asked for a portion of the drugs, Bakke said.

“;He was not doing this for money,”; Bakke said. “;We're talking about less than an ounce in the two deals.”;

Fujikawa had a drug problem, but is now “;clean and sober”; after having gone through drug treatment on the mainland, Bakke said.

The 18-year-old Tadd Fujikawa and his mother, Lori Fujikawa, attended the change-of-plea hearing. The teen golfer bowed his head and closed his eyes as he listened to his father plead guilty to the drug charges.

The family declined comment after the hearing.

Fujikawa's sentencing is scheduled for April 6.