Honolulu, Hawaii — After a long and grueling trial spanning 98 days, the case against Micheal J. Miske Jr., a man accused by federal prosecutors of leading a criminal enterprise that perpetrated a wide range of illegal activities in Hawaii, is now in the hands of a jury. The deliberations, which began on Monday, follow testimony from 241 witnesses presented by the U.S. Department of Justice.
Prosecutors argued that Miske, 49, was far from the benevolent businessman he masqueraded as, instead orchestrating a host of nefarious activities including murder, kidnapping, and arson. On the other hand, Miske’s defense painted a picture of a legitimate entrepreneur who significantly contributed to the local community, highlighting his efforts to revitalize family-owned businesses, including a termite and pest control company.
In his closing arguments, U.S. Attorney Mark A. Inciong emphasized the simplicity of the Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations (RICO) conspiracy charge, noting that jurors only needed to find Miske guilty of two criminal acts to convict. He listed “one robbery, one kidnapping” as part of the pattern of racketeering that defined the alleged criminal enterprise.
The charges spring from allegations that Miske controlled illicit markets and owned nightclubs where violent altercicle occurred regularly. His empire reportedly earned millions through illegal sales of commercial-grade aerial fireworks. More ominously, federal prosecutors believe Miske orchestrated the murder of Johnathan Fraser, a close friend of his late son, among other planned hits that were never carried out.
One such case involved a 2017 attack at Kualoa Ranch. The original charge related to this incident was dismissed by Chief U.S. District Judge Derrick K. Watson, who found insufficient evidence linking Miske to attempted murder and firearm charges. However, Watson allowed the continuation of charges regarding the use of dangerous chemicals in a series of nightclub attacks during March 2017, which were allegedly ordered by Miske.
Witnesses testified that Miske transitioned his termite company into an industry leader, also branching into solar and plumbing sectors. He was described by his defense as a self-starter who worked tirelessly to create a better life for his family and contributed to the community, including performing pro bono work to support local cultural treasures.
As the case unfolded in the courtroom, it painted a divisive picture of Miske’s character: a community benefactor on one hand and a ruthless crime lord on the other. His defense team, led by attorneys Lynn E. Panagakos and Michael Jerome Kennedy, focused on his entrepreneurial efforts and public contributions, hoping to sway the jury’s perception.
This complex case encapsulates the struggle between Miske’s public persona as a successful businessman and the clandestine criminal activities he allegedly masterminded for decades. With the jury now deliberating, the community awaits a verdict that could expose deep-seated corruption or affirm the lawful achievements of a well-regarded local business figure. The outcome promises significant implications not only for Miske but also for the broader understanding of organized crime in the picturesque state of Hawaii.