Kona 18-year-old facing several child porn charges detained without bail

An 18-year-old Kona man facing several child pornography charges will be detained without bail as he goes through court proceedings following a hearing Tuesday in Kona Circuit Court.

Dominic Alexander Roberts on Aug. 15 was charged by indictment with:

• First-degree promoting child abuse.
• 5 counts of second-degree promoting child abuse.
• 2 counts of use of a computer in commission of a separate crime.

First-degree promoting child abuse, the most serious offense, is a Class A felony and carryies a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison if convicted.

During Tuesday’s hearing, the prosecution presented evidence that Roberts engaged in dissemination of child sexual abuse material across multiple social media platforms.

He also used cyberbullying and extortion tactics to solicit child sexual abuse material and other harmful content from minors and then disseminated the content online.

Roberts’ bail was originally set at $290,000.

“Parents and guardians should remain vigilant against the dangers that exist online that can harm our keiki. Children can form relationships with predators online or be pursued on social media and ultimately be harmed by someone miles away behind a keyboard,” said Hawai‘i County Prosecuting Attorney Kelden Waltjen. “Maintaining awareness of your child’s online activity and having regular discussions with children about how to stay safe online is essential.”

The investigation is being handled by Hawai‘i Police Department Area II Juvenile Aid Section Detective Chandler Nacino. The case is being prosecuted by Hawai‘i County Deputy Prosecuting Attorney Annaliese Wolf.