KEALAKEKUA — A teen facing felony sex assault charges was placed on house arrest after violating conditions of his bail, despite strong objections from prosecutors.
Samuel Latrik’s bail conditions came under review when he was arrested last month for violating the terms of his release on bail by not checking in with his social worker at the Hawaii Intake Service Center. The 18-year-old has been detained with no bail since July 31 as the court sorted out conditions to which he could adhere.
“I wanted to ensure there were mechanisms in place for him to comply,” said Kona Circuit Judge Robert D.S. Kim during a Friday morning bail hearing.
Latrik is accused of three counts of first-degree sexual assault, second-degree sexual assault, kidnapping, second-degree robbery, first-degree terroristic threatening and third-degree sexual assault in a Sept. 3, 2016, incident at Old Kona Airport Park. According to the Hawaii Police Department, two boys approached a woman, punched and sexually assaulted her before fleeing when confronted by an unidentified person.
Latrik’s co-defendant, Tyron Sigrah, 17, recently pleaded guilty to first-degree sexual assault, second-degree assault, kidnapping and second-degree robbery. He is scheduled to be sentenced Sept. 18.
During Friday morning’s hearing, an employee with Hawaii Intake Service Center said Latrik qualified for electronic monitoring in his pre-trial status. Part of the condition would be that he call HISC when he leaves his home and again when he returns.
He would only be allowed to leave his home for medical or legal appointments.
“I feel comfortable enough he can comply,” Kim said about the bail modifications.
Defense Counsel James Biven asked whether his client would be allowed to work, as he’s currently employed in an overnight job with his brother. The judge denied that request.
Kim told Latrik “if you violate any terms, leave home without approval, you’ll be brought back to court.”
Deputy Prosecutor Sheri Lawson objected to electronic monitoring.
“The state believes his bail should be revoked or set higher,” Lawson said.
Kim indicated to Lawson that an interpreter had not been utilized during any of the meetings with the HISC social worker since Latrik’s release, which might have played into why the 18-year-old missed check-ins with his social worker.
Email Tiffany DeMasters at tdemasters@westhawaiitoday.com.