REPORT FROM KAUAI POLICE DEPARTMENT – Kaua’i police have arrested 23 non-compliant sex offenders living on Kaua’i and are asking for the public’s help in locating two men who have yet to be captured.
Police are looking for non-compliant sex offenders Jordan K. Valente, age 40 of Anahola, and Brian K. Lopes, age 56. Lopes is homeless living in the Hanamā’ulu area, but police believe he may have recently fled to O‘ahu.
“During a check of the Attorney General’s registered sex offender database, it was discovered that there were a number of non-compliant sex offenders,” said Deputy Police Chief Michael Contrades. “The Kaua’i Police Department and the Prosecuting Attorney’s office felt strongly that the issue needed to be addressed to ensure the safety and well-being of our community.”
The search and arrests are a result of a special joint investigation aimed at locating non-compliant registered sex offenders. The mission was initiated by the police department and included the help of the Office of the Prosecuting Attorney and the state Department of the Attorney General.
“Registered sex offenders are required to inform law enforcement of their whereabouts,” stated Police Chief Darryl Perry. “And we want to send a very clear message that if you do not comply with the laws in place, we will find you and hold you accountable.”
According to state law, registered sex offenders must keep their registration information, including their contact information, updated and accurate. Failing to do so is a Class C felony, punishable by up to five years imprisonment for each violation.
“Non-compliant and undocumented sex offenders pose a significant danger to the community,” said Prosecuting Attorney Shaylene Iseri-Carvalho. “Ensuring compliance and bringing these offenders to justice will continue to be a top priority.”
The special mission was assigned to KPD’s newly formed Fugitive Apprehension and Strike Team (F.A.S.T.) which focuses on capturing wanted individuals. The operation has been ongoing for the past five months and F.A.S.T. vows to keep searching until the last two subjects are in custody.
The Hawai’i Criminal Justice Data Center (HCJDC), an agency of the state Department of the Attorney General, keeps a public listing of all registered sex offenders in the state. To search for a registered sex offender, visit the HCJDC website at www.ehawaii.gov/sexoffender.
Anyone with information on the whereabouts of Jordan K. Valente or Brian K. Lopes is urged to contact Lt. Trent Shimabukuro at 241-1638 or Kaua’i Police Dispatch, 241-1711.