A Honolulu Police Department major awaiting trial on federal charges of extortion, making false statements and witness tampering is now in custody for allegedly possessing drugs.
FBI agents arrested Carlton S. Nishimura at his home in Waianae on Monday after searching the home on a search warrant.
The agents found about 231.5 grams — more than a half-pound — of methamphetamine in six clear plastic bags in Nishimura’s home, the FBI said. The plastic bags were in a paper bag in a box containing personal effects with Nishimura’s name on them in the family room of the home.
The FBI, which said it has been investigating allegations concerning Nishimura since 2008, said it also found other items in the home consistent with drug distribution, including numerous other clear plastic bags and three digital scales.
Nishimura, 55, appeared in U.S. District Court Tuesday on a charge of possessing with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine. He was wearing shackles and a white prison jumpsuit.
He will remain in custody until at least Friday, when U.S. Magistrate Judge Richard L. Puglisi considers the government’s request to deny Nishimura release on bail.
Nishimura had been free on a $50,000 signature bond in another case in which he is accused of extorting money from an illegal gambling house operator, lying to the FBI and trying to persuade a witness to lie.
His lawyer has said the key prosecution witness in that case told her lawyer she lied to the grand jury, which indicted Nishimura in February, to get a break at sentencing in her own drug case.
U.S. Magistrate Judge Barry M. Kurren turned over to Nishimura and his lawyer last month a document the witness’s lawyer filed with the court under seal before withdrawing from the case. Kurren said he released the document after determining it "contains information suggesting that a fraud on the court was committed."
Nishimura is scheduled to appear in court for that case, also on Friday, to renew his request for the transcript of the witness’s grand jury testimony.
After Nishimura’s indictment in February, the HPD took away his police powers and placed him on desk duty. The department later placed him on paid administrative leave. HPD would not comment regarding Nishimura’s latest charge.
