Kona teen facing myriad of charges involving child pornography

An 18-year-old Kailua-Kona teen was arrested and charged with 10 offenses related to the production, possession, and distribution of child pornography.

The arrest is the result of Hawai‘i Police Department’s year-long joint investigation with federal law enforcement agencies.

Dominic Roberts was initially arrested in December 2023, at the age of 17, but has since turned 18. On Monday, the teen was found fit to be tried as an adult in the adult criminal court by a State of Hawai‘i family court judge.

Roberts was released from the custody of family court and taken into police custody under the strength of an arrest warrant for the following offenses:

• First-degree promotion of child abuse (production)
• Two counts of second-degree promotion of child abuse (possession of 30 or more images or videos depicting child pornography, and at least one image containing a minor under the age of 12, sadomasochistic abuse of a minor, or bestiality involving a minor).
• Five counts of second-degree promotion child abuse (disseminating child pornography)
• 2 counts of use of a computer in the commission of a separate crime

His total bail was set at $130,000.

The offenses of use of a computer in the commission of a separate crime and first-degree promoting of child abuse are Class A felonies.

The offenses of second-degree promotion of child abuse are class B felonies.

Roberts made his initial appearance in district court on Tuesday where the court maintained his bail. He is scheduled to appear for a preliminary hearing on Thursday.

These charges stem from tips received from the community and the police department’s multiple federal partners that led to the execution of numerous search warrants, which led to the recovery of numerous electronic devices.

Police would like to remind the community to take the steps necessary to keep their children safe when browsing the internet and utilizing social media.

Police ask anyone who may have additional information on the incident or know the identity of other victims to contact Detective Chandler Nacino of the Area II Juvenile Aid Section at 808-326-4646, ext. 301, or by email at chandler.nacino@hawaiicounty.gov.