MEDIA RELEASE

Judge Glenn S. Hara has sentenced Rodrigo F. Borreta, Sr., 87, of Puna, to five years in prison for promoting a dangerous drug in the third degree.

Rodrigo Borreta

On Dec. 23, 2010, Hawaii police officers served a search warrant on Borreta’s residence in Hawaiian Paradise Park and recovered from his residence 3.7 grams of methamphetamine packaged for sale and drug paraphernalia, including an Ohaus triple beam scale.

Borreta, who was on parole for a 1999 conviction for promoting a dangerous drug in the first degree, was present at the residence when police officers arrived to execute the search warrant.

Promoting a dangerous drug in the third degree is a class “C” felony punishable by up to five years in prison and a fine of up to $10,000.

Promoting a dangerous drug in the first degree, is a class “A” felony punishable by up to 20 years in prison and a fine of up to $50,000.

Borreta is believed to be the oldest defendant in Hawaii County to be convicted of a dangerous drug offense.

He turns 88 in January 2012.