Enterprise operated out of Big Isle home

By David Waite
Advertiser Staff Writer

Big Island resident Carlton Torres yesterday pleaded guilty to federal charges stemming from what officials say was a bookmaking operation that he and his wife, Danita, operated from their Kapa'au home.

Carlton Torres entered guilty pleas to charges of illegal gambling, conspiracy to launder money generated by the gambling enterprise and two forfeiture counts brought by federal officials against the couple's car, residence and $115,000 in cash. All of these assets were seized from the pair.

Carlton Torres was scheduled to go to trial this month on the gambling charges. But he decided to plead guilty after a federal jury last month convicted his wife of similar charges. Danita Torres had argued that her husband had brutalized and threatened her numerous times, and had intimidated her into helping with the bookmaking scheme.

Beverly Wee Sameshima, an assistant U.S. attorney who handled the prosecution of the case, maintained that Danita Torres was a willing partner who shared in the gambling operation proceeds.

The Torres home was raided Jan. 13, 1998, after months of surveillance. Hawai'i County police became suspicious after they learned that O'ahu organized crime figures had traveled to the Big Island to collect a $25,000 debt owed to the couple.

Carlton Torres faces up to five years in prison on the gambling charge and 20 years on the money-laundering charge.