HONOLULU (KHON2) –The prosecution and defense wrapped up opening statements Monday in the long awaited trial for alleged crime boss Michael Miske. He’s facing a slew of federal charges and appeared before a packed courtroom.
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The prosecution started opening statements, describing Miske as the top of the “Miske Enterprise” that operated in the business world and “underworld.” The prosecution often referred to Miske’s associates as his “muscle, enforcers and thugs.”
“The defendant used fear, violence and intimidation to get what he wanted,” said William KeAupuni Akina, Assistant U.S. Attorney. “What he wanted was money, control and revenge.”
“It sounds like the government gave an overbroad view of what each of the witnesses will testify and what the evidence will show,” said Megan Kau, legal expert.
The prosecution detailed instances of alleged business fraud, violent crimes and black market schemes. Prosecutors citing examples they said showed how Miske and his associates intimidated customers of his many businesses.