The U.S. Department of Justice has issued a “target letter” to a state corrections officer signaling his actions are under investigation in connection with the beating death of an inmate — allegedly by other prisoners — at the Oʻahu Community Correctional Center two years ago, Honolulu Civil Beat has learned.
And it may not be the last such letter sent in the case.
Federal interest in the death of inmate Chris Vaefaga was confirmed Tuesday by state Deputy Attorney General Adrian Dhakhwa, who indicated to Circuit Court Judge Paul Wong the federal government is scrutinizing the actions of corrections officers involved in the case…