Fifth man charged in child sex sting

A fifth man caught in a law enforcement sting aimed at child sex predators was charged Monday.

Marshall K. Baji, 31, of Naalehu was charged with first-degree electronic enticement of a child, promoting pornography to minors, promoting minor-produced sexual images, methamphetamine and marijuana possession, possessing drug paraphernalia, and four firearms offenses.

He was released on his own recognizance without posting monetary bail, police said.

Four others were arrested and charged in the sting operation on the Big Island: Nolan Okalani Tallett, 45, of Honolulu; Kanani Ikaika Perreira Yurong, 31, of Hilo; Sonny Eugenio Puerto, 28, of Kurtistown; and Joseph Michael Powell, 36, of Hilo.

Tallett was released after posting $50,000 bail.

Perreira Yurong, Puerto and Powell made their initial court appearances Monday and have preliminary hearings scheduled for today.

Perreira Young was later released on bail, while Puerto and Powell remained in custody late Tuesday afternoon in lieu of $50,000 bail.
Source: Hawaii Tribune Herald