Sentencing in albatross killings put off till July

The sentencing of a college student charged with animal cruelty in connection with the killings of Laysan albatrosses at Kaena Point has been postponed until July.

Christian Gutierrez could face up to one year in jail and a $2,000 fine for his role in the case, according to the prosecutor’s office. In a plea bargain, he agreed to cooperate with the prosecution and testify against others.

A 2015 Punahou graduate and New York University student, Gutierrez and two minors were identified by investigators as being involved in the death of 15 albatrosses and destruction of numerous nests at Kaena Point Natural Area Reserve on Dec. 27, 2015.

Gutierrez was 18 at the time and is the only person charged as an adult in the case. Juvenile cases are handled in Family Court, where proceedings are confidential.

Sentencing for Gutierrez was scheduled for June 1 before Circuit Judge Jeannette Castagnetti. But the hearing was postponed to July 6 to allow all parties to review evidence, including videos, that the prosecution and defense want to present at sentencing, defense attorney Myles Breiner said.

Gutierrez has pleaded no contest to one count of second-degree cruelty to animals and one count of third-degree theft, which are misdemeanors, as well as fourth-degree criminal property damage, a petty misdemeanor.