KEALAKEKUA — A teen facing class A felony sex assault charges was granted house arrest after violating conditions of bail, despite strong objections from prosecutors.
Samuel Latrik’s bail conditions came under review when he was arrested last month on a bench warrant 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 held on no bail since July 31 as the court sorted out conditions he could adhere to.
“I wanted to ensure there were mechanisms in place for him to comply,” 3rd Circuit Court Judge Robert D.S. Kim said 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 an incident that occurred on Sept. 3, 2016. According to the Hawaii Police Department, two boys approached a woman, punched and sexually assaulted her. Police added the boys fled 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 on Sept. 18.
Latrik and Sigrah first appeared in family court as the crime occurred when they were juveniles. The judge, however, waived the cases to 3rd Circuit Court where Latrik and Sigrah were charged as adults.
During Friday morning’s hearing, an employee with Hawaii Intake Service Center appeared before the court. She stated that 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.
The teen would only be allowed to leave his home for medical or legal appointments.
“I feel comfortable enough he can comply,” Kim said of 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 the request.
“I don’t feel him working with his brother in the late hours of the night will be acceptable to the court,” Kim stated. “Electronic monitoring is to ensure the whereabouts of the defendant and the safety of the public.”
Kim told Latrik in open court that “if you violate any terms, leave home without approval, you’ll be brought back to court.”
Deputy Prosecutor Sheri Lawson objected to electronic monitoring. She said the state feels the motion for the teen’s bail revocation was filed because he failed to comply.
“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 may have played into why the 18-year-old missed check-ins with his social worker.
After the hearing, Lawson again stated her disagreement with Latrik being allowed electronic monitoring.
“The state respectfully disagrees with the court’s decision,” she said.
Latrik was initially arrested and charged in January and held on $50,000 bail. In February, however, Kim reduced his bail to $25,000 in an effort of fairness as Sigrah, who was facing the exact same charges at the time, posted bail after a District Court judge reduced his bail from $50,000 to $25,000.