A Hilo grand jury indicted a 55-year-old man for the alleged repeated sexual assault of a teenage girl more than two years ago.
The 20-count indictment charges Dason DeRego with 10 counts each of first- and third-degree sexual assault.
The minor, identified only by her initials, was at least 14 but younger than 16 years old at the time of the alleged assaults, which took place between Sept. 1, 2016, and Dec. 31, 2016, according to the document.
A bench warrant was issued for DeRego’s arrest. His bail was set at $120,000, and he was ordered to stay at least 100 yards away from the minor and to not possess any firearms, ammunition or explosive devices.
DeRego had not been arrested as of Tuesday morning.
The indictment claims DeRego “knowingly engaged” in sexual contact and sexual penetration with the teen, who was born in 2001.
The document states DeRego “is subject to extended terms of imprisonment … for the protection of the public” as an alleged multiple offender who could be sentenced to two or more felonies.
First-degree sexual assault is a Class A felony that carries a maximum sentence of 20 years imprisonment upon conviction, but if a judge imposes an extended term, DeRego could be subject to a sentence of life imprisonment with the possibility of parole.
Third-degree sexual assault is a Class C felony that carries a maximum five-year prison sentence upon conviction, but that could become a 10-year prison term if a judge imposes an extended sentence.
A search of Hawaii court records turned up no felony convictions for DeRego.
Email John Burnett at jburnett@hawaiitribune-herald.com.
