Former Maui police officer sentenced to 5 years in prison for unjustified tasing

A former Maui Police officer was sentenced today to 65 months in prison, followed by three years of supervised release for using unreasonable force against an arrestee.

Carlos Frate, 41, previously pleaded guilty in August 2025 in federal court to one count of deprivation of rights under color of law. He admitted that on Jan. 6, 2024, Frate repeatedly used a taser on an arrestee, even though the arrestee was not resisting or posing any threat.

Frate admitted that he knew that his force was unjustified, but he nonetheless continued to tase the arrestee despite the arrestee’s pleas for him to stop.

“The defendant’s acts were abusive and unbecoming of the oath he swore to protect the public,” said Assistant Attorney General Harmeet K. Dhillon of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division. “Law enforcement officers who abuse their positions of power will be held accountable by this Administration.”

U.S. Attorney Ken Sorenson for the District of Hawaii said Frate’s sentence should serve as a reminder that no one is above the law.

“Our law enforcement officers play an invaluable role in our community, serving at the frontline in preventing and investigating crime, protecting our citizens, and keeping Hawaii safe,” Sorenson said. “…While the vast majority of law enforcement officers conduct their duties with honor, integrity, and restraint, we are committed to bringing to justice those who, on the rare occasion, violate the public trust by abusing their power or using excessive force.”

Special Agent in Charge David Porter of the FBI Honolulu Field Office said trust between the residents and law enforcement is foundational to the safety and success of any community.

“By using excessive force and abusing the power entrusted in him, the defendant didn’t just break the law — he betrayed the community’s trust and made the job more difficult for the vast majority of law enforcement putting in good work every day,” Porter said. “The FBI and our partners will continue to aggressively investigate any officers who violate the public trust and their duty to serve.”

FBI investigated the case based on a referral from the Maui Police Department.