Mountain View Man Charged with Commercial Sexual Exploitation of a Minor

75 year-old Robert Goodwin of Mountain View was charged with commercial sexual exploitation of a minor following a July 23, 2022 incident which involved five minors at Carlsmith Beach Park in Hilo.
As the Complaint alleges, Goodwin was charged with Commercial Sexual Exploitation of a Minor (agree to provide or offer to provide anything of value, money and/or alcohol and/or marijuana, to a minor or third person for the purpose of engaging in sexual conduct with a minor, and/or solicited, offered to engage in, or requested to engage in sexual conduct with a minor in return for anything of value, money and/or alcohol and/or marijuana) and 4 counts of misdemeanor Commercial Sexual Exploitation Near Schools or Public Parks (provide, agree to provide, or offer to provide a fee or anything of value to another person to engage in sexual conduct within 750 feet of a school or public park).
The most serious offense, Commercial Sexual Exploitation of a Minor, is a class B felony which carries a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison and a fine of no less than $5,000.00. Goodwin made his initial appearance in Hilo District Court on Monday, July 25 where the Prosecutors’ request to increase bail was granted.  The Court set Goodwin’s bail at $54,000.00.
The case was handled by Officer Krimsen Abilla, South Hilo Patrol, and Detective Richard Itliong, Juvenile Aid Section, Area I Criminal Investigation Section, Hawai‘i Police Department. The case is being prosecuted by Deputy Prosecuting Attorney Heipua Ahloy.
The charges are merely allegations, and the Defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
“The sexual exploitation of children can cause serious and irrevocable emotional and psychological harm,” said Prosecuting Attorney Kelden Waltjen in a press release.  Waltjen continued, “Our Office is committed to seeking justice for victims and working with law enforcement to protect keiki by addressing these type of threats, holding offenders accountable, and spreading awareness about this important concern in our community.”
 
Photo credit: Hawaiʻi County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office