Hawaii island man pleads not guilty to child porn charges

A 23-year-old Waimea man pleaded not guilty Friday in Hilo Circuit Court to three charges related to child pornography.

Judge Henry Nakamoto scheduled a jury trial for Aceson Domingo at 8:30 a.m. Feb. 23 before Kona Circuit Judge Wendy DeWeese and maintained Domingo’s bail at $35,000, which he posted following his arraignment.

Domingo, a part-time landscaper, was indicted Oct. 6 by a Kona grand jury with first- and third-degree promotion of child abuse and promoting pornography for minors. The most serious offense, first-degree promotion of child abuse, is a Class A felony offense which carries a maximum penalty of a 20-year prison term.

The other two charges are Class C felony offenses that carry a maximum prison sentence of five years.

Conditions of Domingo’s release on bail include that he not have contact with any minors, either in person or online. That includes the victim, who was identified only by initials on the complaint.

“Parents and other adults who care for children in this community should remain vigilant against the dangers that can exist online and harm keiki,” county Prosecutor Kelden Waltjen said in a statement.

“Children can form relationships with predators online, or be pursued on social media, and ultimately be harmed by someone miles away behind a keyboard,” he said. “Maintaining awareness of a child’s online activity and having regular discussions with children about how to stay safe online is essential.”

Anyone with information about this case or other child abuse cases are asked to call CrimeStoppers at (808) 961-8300.