KAILUA-KONA, Hawaiʻi (KHON2) — The 52-year-old man accused of kidnapping a Big Island teenager pleaded “No Contest” in his Dec. 31 court hearing.
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Duncan Mahi of Hilo was charged with multiple counts of sexual assault and kidnapping on Sept. 26, 2022, after kidnapping a 15-year-old girl.
The incident triggered the state’s second-ever Maile Amber Alert and an island-wide manhunt
According to court documents, Mahi threatened the teen and her boyfriend with a knife, forced her to “restrain her boyfriend” and then kidnapped her.
She was later shackled and kept inside a yellow bus behind Mahi’s home where she was forced to smoke methamphetamine.
The next morning, the teen told Mahi she was hungry and asked him to take her to Cafe Pesto. Upon arrival, they scuffled after the teen attempted to escape.
One Good Samaritan recognized the teen and stepped in to grab her and pull her to safety.
Big Island police located Mahi hours later and arrested him.
Sexual assault cases, especially those involving minors, are some of the most traumatic types of criminal victimization. The victims and their families were consulted and very involved throughout the plea negotiations in this case. They confirmed their support of this agreement and resolution of the case.
Prosecuting Attorney Kelden Waltjen
If he’s convicted, Mahi will serve a mandatory minimum sentence of 20 years.
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Mahi remains in custody and is being held without bail. His sentencing trial is scheduled for March 14.
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