Former Maui Police Officer Carlos Frate Receives 65 Month Federal Prison Sentence in Hawaii for Repeatedly Tasing Non Resisting Arrestee

Former Maui Police Officer Heads to Federal Prison.

A former officer with the Maui Police Department is now facing years behind bars after admitting he used excessive force during an arrest.

Carlos Frate, 41, was sentenced to 65 months in federal prison, followed by three years of supervised release, for violating the civil rights of an arrestee.

Frate had previously pleaded guilty in August 2025 to one count of deprivation of rights under color of law — a federal charge often used in cases involving misconduct by public officials.

What Happened During the Arrest

According to court records, the incident took place on January 6, 2024. Frate admitted that he repeatedly deployed his Taser on an individual who was neither resisting nor posing a threat.

Prosecutors said the former officer acknowledged he knew the force was unjustified. Even so, he continued to tase the arrestee despite the person’s repeated pleas for him to stop. That admission became central to the federal case against him.

The charge falls under a federal civil rights statute that makes it a crime for law enforcement officers to willfully deprive someone of constitutional protections while acting in their official capacity.

Federal Officials Condemn the Conduct

Assistant Attorney General Harmeet K. Dhillon of the U.S. Department of Justice Civil Rights Division described the actions as abusive and inconsistent with the oath officers take to protect the public.

U.S. Attorney Ken Sorenson for the District of Hawaii emphasized that while most officers serve honorably, those who cross the line must face consequences.

Special Agent in Charge David Porter of the Federal Bureau of Investigation Honolulu Field Office said misconduct like this erodes trust between law enforcement and the communities they serve.

Investigation Began With Internal Referral

The case originated from a referral by the Maui Police Department, signaling internal acknowledgment that the conduct warranted further scrutiny. The FBI investigated the matter, and federal prosecutors ultimately pursued charges.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael F. Albanese and Civil Rights Division Trial Attorney Julia White handled the prosecution.

Impact and Consequences

The sentencing carries weight beyond one individual case.

• Community trust: Incidents of excessive force can strain relationships between residents and law enforcement.
• Department reputation: Even isolated misconduct can cast a shadow over an entire agency.
• Legal accountability: The case reinforces that federal authorities will intervene when constitutional rights are violated.
• Professional fallout: Frate’s conviction ends his law enforcement career and carries long-term personal and financial consequences.

Civil rights prosecutions involving police officers are relatively rare but tend to send strong signals about accountability standards nationwide.

What’s Next?

With sentencing complete, Frate will serve his prison term in federal custody before beginning supervised release. There is no indication of additional charges at this time.

Federal authorities say they remain committed to investigating credible allegations of excessive force. The case also serves as a reminder to departments nationwide about the importance of training, oversight, and early intervention systems to prevent similar incidents.

Summary

Carlos Frate, a former Maui Police Department officer, has been sentenced to 65 months in prison for repeatedly tasing a non-resisting arrestee in January 2024.

After pleading guilty to a federal civil rights charge, he now faces years in custody and supervised release.

Federal officials say the case underscores that officers who abuse their authority will be held accountable under the law.

Bulleted Takeaways

• Former Maui officer Carlos Frate received 65 months in federal prison.
• He pleaded guilty to deprivation of rights under color of law.
• The incident involved repeatedly tasing a non-resisting arrestee.
• The FBI investigated the case following a referral from the Maui Police Department.
• Federal officials emphasized accountability and the importance of public trust.
• Frate will also serve three years of supervised release after prison.