An 18-year-old Hilo man is accused by the federal government of being the leader of a group that sexually victimizes minors.
According to an FBI press release, Kalana Limkin made his initial appearance today in U.S. District Court for violating child pornography law.
U.S. Magistrate Judge Rom Trader ordered Limkin to remain in federal custody pending a detention hearing on Dec. 21.
The charge against Limkin was contained in a criminal complaint filed in federal court and unsealed upon his arrest.
The complaint and affidavit allege that Limkin was identified as the founder of a group, “Cultist,” which focused on promoting child pornography, child exploitation, sexual extortion and trafficking and self-harm of minors.
Limkin allegedly uploaded multiple child pornography image files.
If indicted and convicted of the offense in the complaint, Limkin would face a potential sentence 20 years in prison with a mandatory minimum prison of five years.
The FBI and Hawaii Police Department conducted the investigation resulting in Limkin’s arrest.