It should serve as a warning for parents to monitor their children’s use of the internet.
That’s what the deputy prosecutor said this morning at the sentencing of a convicted sex offender.
Christopher Yamashiro is guilty of numerous sexual assaults, acts committed by a 24-year-old against a 13-year-old girl.
"I would like to take full responsibilities for my actions and I would like to apologize to —- and her family. I am deeply remorseful for the events that have taken place,” said Yamashiro.
The sex assaults took place in July of last year.
"This case is a clear example of why parents need to closely monitor their children’s use of the internet. And why children need to be educated and warned about the potential dangers,” said Rochelle Vidinha, deputy prosecutor.
Dangers from seemingly innocent places.
"It initially started on MySpace, and it continued on Facebook. And those communications led to the victim and Christopher Yamashiro ultimately meeting up, and at that point the sex assaults occurred,” said Vidinha.
The victim told a family friend about the relationship and that lead the family to pursue justice.
Yamashiro gets a ten year prison term for the sex assaults and enticement of a child.
That enticement charge is one we’ve seen in the past handled by the State Attorney General’s Office.
"And unlike cases that generally go to the Attorney General’s Office, where there is a police officer possibly posing as the underage person. In this case, the victim is real. It’s a real 13 year old girl. And when the victim and Christopher Yamashiro it actually led to sexual assaults,” said Vidinha.
Yamashiro must now register as a sexual predator.
His minimum jail time will be set by the Hawaii Paroling Authority.
See the original article at: KHON2 Local News
