HONOLULU (AP) - A Hawaii police sergeant has requested a jury trial after pleading not guilty to charges he abused and harassed his estranged wife, a report said.
Darren Cachola, 46, was charged with one count of misdemeanor abuse and two counts of petty misdemeanor harassment, The Honolulu Star-Advertiser reported Thursday.
Defense attorney William Harrison filed the pleas on behalf of the 23-year police veteran, who did not appear in court and remains free after posting $1,500 bail.
Cachola abused his wife in the presence of a child April 23, authorities have said.
The couple has two children and they are living in separate homes while in the process of obtaining a divorce.
Judge Naunanikinau Kamalii scheduled a June 3 hearing in response to Cachola’s request for a jury trial.
Kamalii reduced Cachola’s bail to $200 to ensure “he participates as he is supposed to in the proceedings going forward,” noting that Cachola is obligated to appear at future hearings.
Cachola’s wife has filed a civil lawsuit accusing him and the police department of negligence, conspiracy and infliction of emotional distress.
The Honolulu Police Department placed him on restricted duty.
Cachola had been fired after a 2014 surveillance video showed him hitting a former girlfriend at a restaurant.
He regained his position when an arbitrator reversed the decision.
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Information from: Honolulu Star-Advertiser, http://www.staradvertiser.com
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