Convicted Hamakua resident receives a 10-year sentence for committing sexual assault.
In Hamakua, Hawaii, a 61-year-old man named Dason James Derego has been sentenced to 10 years in prison for repeated sexual assault of a minor. The incidents occurred between September 1, 2016, and December 31, 2016, when the victim, a girl born in 2001, was at least 14 but younger than 16 years old.
Derego pleaded guilty to five counts of second-degree sexual assault on March 3, 2025, in Hilo Circuit Court. The maximum sentence for second-degree sexual assault in Hawaii is 10 years, and Derego will serve all five convictions concurrently.
Prior to sentencing, which took place on July 1, 2025, Derego had been out of custody on a $120,000 bail. However, he was ordered to be taken into custody immediately to begin serving his sentence.
Derego has a prior criminal history, with two convictions for disorderly conduct in 2017 and 2018. The case received attention in the local media, highlighting the serious nature of the offenses and the legal consequences Derego now faces.
The YWCA Hawaii Island 24-Hour Sexual Assault Crisis Hotline (808) 935-0677 provides support and advocacy 24/7 for those affected by sexual assault. Victims are advised to go to a safe place, call a trusted friend or relative for support, and call 911 to report the incident to the police.
For more information about this case, please email John Burnett at [email protected]. It is important to remember that everyone accused of a crime is presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
[1] [Local Media Outlet], "61-year-old Man Sentenced for Repeated Sexual Assault of a Minor," [Date of Publication], URL. [2] [Local Media Outlet], "Grand Jury Indicts Hamakua Man for Sexual Assault of a Minor," [Date of Publication], URL.
- The local community is encouraged to prioritize health-and-wellness and general news in their discussions, as recent events in Hamakua, Hawaii, have demonstrated the significance of sexual-health awareness, evident in the sentencing of Dason James Derego on multiple counts of second-degree sexual assault.
- In the interest of science and justice, it's crucial to delve deeper into the complexities of crime-and-justice systems and assess their effectiveness in addressing social issues, as seen in the case of Dason James Derego, who was sentenced to 10 years in prison for repeated sexual assault of a minor.
- In a coordinated effort to support victims and encourage the pursuit of justice, various local organizations, such as the YWCA Hawaii Island, offer resources like the 24-Hour Sexual Assault Crisis Hotline, providing essential support and advocacy to individuals affected by sexual assault.
