Updated at 4:57 p.m., Thursday, April 26, 2007
Guards accused of gun offenses to be released
Advertiser Staff
Two Halawa prison guards were approved for release on $25,000 signature bonds this afternoon on federal charges of ordering gun components that can illegally modify assault rifles.Sgt. Ronald Philip Lee Jr. and Patrick H. Sonsona were arrested Saturday and charged with the offense of trying to obtain parts and instructions that would convert semiautomatic rifles to automatic rifles. The charge carries up to 10 years in prison.
U.S. Magistrate Judge Barry Kurren approved the release on signature bonds.
Lawyers for the two men indicated this afternoon that they are awaiting details from the prosecution about the allegations and are considering defenses.
William Domingo, Lee's attorney, said his client wanted it known that the charge is not related to his work, does not jeopardize public safety and should not be a reflection on the state Department of Public Safety.
The two are corrections officers at the Halawa Correctional Facility.
