KAILUA-KONA —A Captain Cook man pleaded not guilty to charges of child pornography and child abuse.
A bench warrant was issued May 16 for the arrest of 41-year-old Rudolph Puni Kaeo after a Kona grand jury indicted him on charges the previous day.
According to the indictment, during the time frame of on or about March 1, 2016, through Jan. 30, 2017, Kaeo asked and encouraged a minor to agree to send sexually explicit photos from her to him via text message.
According to the indictment, Kaeo was found in possession of child pornography.
The 41-year-old was charged with promoting third-degree child abuse, first-degree promoting minor-produced sexual images and third-degree conspiracy to commit promoting child abuse.
Kaeo was taken into custody last week and appeared Thursday in court. Kona Circuit Judge Robert D.S. Kim maintained bail at $20,000.
Kaeo entered a not guilty plea and a jury trial was scheduled for Oct. 16.