Closing statements in Hawaii prison gang trial

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HONOLULU — Closing statements are expected in a federal trial that has provided an inside look at the operations of a Hawaii prison gang.

HONOLULU — Closing statements are expected in a federal trial that has provided an inside look at the operations of a Hawaii prison gang.

Former Halawa Correctional Facility guard Feso Malufau is accused of taking bribes from the “USO Family” gang to smuggle drugs to prisoners. Halawa inmate Tineimalo Adkins is accused of leading a brutal gang attack on another inmate.

Prosecutors say what started as a small group using “uso,” the Samoan word for brother, grew into a large organization including prisoners of any ethnicity participating in drug-trafficking, violence and tax fraud.

Malufau’s defense attorneys say the gang framed the former guard. Adkins’ defense attorney says his client didn’t participate in the beating.

The jury could begin deliberating Thursday after attorneys give their closing statements.