Mountain View Man Charged With Commercial Sexual Exploitation of Minor

A Mountain View man is facing several sexual exploitation charges.

County Prosecuting Attorney Kelden Waltjen announced that 75-year-old Robert Goodwin was charged with commercial sexual exploitation of a minor and four counts of misdemeanor commercial sexual exploitation near schools or public parks in connection with an incident July 23 at Carlsmith Beach Park, also known as Four Mile, in Hilo that involved five minors.

The most serious offense, commercial sexual exploitation of a minor, is a Class B felony punishable by up to 10 years in prison and a fine of at least $5,000.

Goodwin made his initial appearance Monday afternoon, July 25, in Hilo District Court. A request by prosecutors to increase his bail was granted. His bail was set at $54,000 and he remains in custody.

The case was handled by Officer Krimsen Abilla with the Hawai‘i Police Department’s South Hilo Patrol and Detective Richard Itliong with the HPD Juvenile Aid Section and Area I Criminal Investigation Section. The case is being prosecuted by Deputy County Prosecuting Attorney Heipua Ahloy.

“The sexual exploitation of children can cause serious and irrevocable emotional and psychological harm,” Waltjen said in a press release. “Our office is committed to seeking justice for victims and working with law enforcement to protect keiki by addressing these type of threats, holding offenders accountable and spreading awareness about this important concern in our community.”