David Borges, a 43-year-old resident of Koloa, has been sentenced to 352 months in federal prison followed by five years of supervised release after pleading guilty to charges including extortion, conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine and fentanyl, carrying a firearm during a drug trafficking crime, and distributing a mixture of fentanyl and cocaine. The sentence was handed down by Senior United States District Judge Helen Gillmor in Honolulu federal court. Borges has been in federal custody since March 9, 2023.
Court records show that Borges and codefendant Albert Bactad were involved in two incidents on Kauai on December 26 and 27, 2021. During these events, they stole cash, drugs, a firearm, and an automobile from two men. Both victims were assaulted; one required surgery for facial injuries. The perpetrators threatened the victims with firearms, abducted one individual, and held the other for ransom.
Borges’s criminal activity extended beyond these incidents. On April 26, 2022, he was found with nine grams of methamphetamine and a loaded firearm with intent to distribute. Between July 17 and August 5, 2022, he conspired with Denise Kalani to distribute significant quantities of methamphetamine and fentanyl. He also distributed a mixture containing fentanyl and cocaine on January 26, 2023.
Acting U.S. Attorney Ken Sorenson stated: “Borges and his confederates have been a dangerous menace to our community – plaguing it with drugs and violence – and today’s lengthy sentence is a resounding affirmation of our solemn commitment to convicting and punishing those who profit through the pain and misery deadly drugs like crystal methamphetamine bring to our islands. Today’s sentence finally brings an end to the reign of terror Borges and his confederates brought to the people of Hawaii,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Ken Sorenson. “We will continue to work tirelessly with our dedicated law enforcement partners at the FBI, ATF, and Kauai Police Department to root out those who endanger and victimize our communities.”
FBI Honolulu Special Agent in Charge David Porter commented: “Mr. Borges led a violent narcotics trafficking organization; his crimes significantly contributed to the ongoing drug epidemic facing America and plaguing our island communities. This sentencing marks a crucial victory in the ongoing fight to protect our citizens from deadly drugs and violence,” said FBI Honolulu Special Agent in Charge David Porter. “The FBI—standing in resolve with our local, state, and federal partners—will continue to use every available resource to dismantle these dangerous criminal organizations and bring their members to justice.”
ATF Seattle Field Division Special Agent in Charge Jonathan Blais noted: “There is an undeniable link between drug dealing and gun violence, and Mr. Borges’s possession of firearms and dealer quantities of meth and fentanyl posed an exceedingly dangerous risk to our community,” said ATF Seattle Field Division Special Agent in Charge Jonathan Blais. “I commend our ATF special agents and law enforcement partners for remaining steadfast in their com mitment to disrupting the sources of drugs in our communities and keeping firearms out of the hands of violent criminals. This sentence reflects the seriousness of Mr. Borges’s actions, and our citizens are now safer with him behind bars.”
Chief Kalani Ke from the Kauai Police Department added: “This conviction represents a major step forward in protecting our community from the devastation caused by drugs and violence,” said Chief Kalani Ke, Kauai Police Department. “For years, this individual has terrorized our island, putting our families and neighborhoods at risk. We thank our federal partners for their strong support in this case, which demonstrates how collaboration leads to substantial results and holds those who endanger our community accountable. Together, we remain committed to safeguarding the people of Kauai and will continue our mission to keep dangerous individuals off our streets.”
Borges was the last defendant sentenced among his associates:
– Albert Bactad received 168 months’ imprisonment for extortion.
– Denise Kalani was sentenced to 63 months for conspiring with Borges.
– Wayne Inouye received 48 months for conspiring to obstruct justice.
– Robin Takiguchi was given 46 months for conspiring to obstruct justice.
– Mahina Bactad received a sentence of 30 months for her role related to obstruction.
The investigation involved cooperation between multiple agencies including the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), Bureau of Alcohol Tobacco Firearms & Explosives (ATF), Kauai Police Department (KPD), as well as assistance from the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA). Assistant U.S. Attorney Craig S. Nolan prosecuted this case.
