Bail Remains at $40K, Charges Reduced for Alleged Attempted Kidnapper

Bail remained at $40,000 for a 39-year-old Kīhei man who was charged for allegedly attempting to kidnap two female students on their way to school on Tuesday, Sept. 19.

Edward James Martin. Photo Courtesy MPD

Edward James Martin was in custody and appeared via polycam today in Wailuku District Court in front of Judge Kelsey Kawano.

Martin’s defense asked for his bail to be reduced to $10,000, or $5,000 for each count, Judge Kawano denied the bail reduction. Martin’s current bail remained set at $40,000, or $20,000 each for charges of criminal attempt and custodial interference.

Deputy Prosecuting Attorney Brandon Segal said Martin allegedly tried to entice an 11- and 12-year-old girl on their way to the bus to get to school.

“He lied to the children saying their parents were with them,” Segal said in court.

He added that the girls were already visibly shaken and scared and that Martin continued to follow the girls to get them into the car until the men noticed a parent nearby and the two men drove off.

“He lied to these young children,” Segal said. “We can (inaudible) what he intended to do.”

Segal asked the bail to remain the same adding that Martin was a “risk to society.” He added that Martin has a long record of serious violence and that Martin is currently out on felony probation.

Public court records show that Martin has a record for the following: multiple thefts, criminal trespassing, open lewdness, multiple accounts of abuse of a family member or household member, criminal property damage intentional/knowing danger of death or bodily injury, assault in the third degree including assault of a police officer, resisting arrest physically, and harassment by insults or taunting.

Martin’s charges were reduced from felonies to misdemeanors. The current charges are still allegations.

Judge Kawano said that if Martin is to post bail he must report to Maui Intake Service Center, have no contact with juvenile females involved in this case, and to stay away from any school, child care facility, school bus stop, play ground or any other place where minors congregate.

Martin was ordered to appear again physically in court if he does post bail, or via polycam again on Monday, Sept. 25.

There have been several reports of attempted kidnapping at schools around O‘ahu this past week. A letter was sent to parents from several schools after “stranger danger” reports were made at three area elementary schools.

In all three cases, students walking to or from school reported being approached by a man who offered them a ride.

In one case, a student reported being grabbed the man in an attempted abduction.

In all cases, no students were injured and the incidents were reported to parents and/or school officials. The Honolulu Police Department is investigating.

Parents are encouraged to reinforce the following safety measures with their children:

• Stay away from strangers. Do not talk to or take anything from them.
• Don’t go anywhere with someone you don’t know. Never accept a ride from a stranger.
• Stay more than an arm’s reach from strangers. If a stranger approaches you, seek help immediately from a trusted adult.
• Use the buddy system. Avoid walking anywhere alone.
• If a stranger grabs you, do whatever it takes to stop the stranger and yell for help.
• Report any suspicious activity to a trusted adult.
• Be alert of your surroundings and let others know where you will be and what time you will be back.
• HIDOE appreciates the assistance and vigilance of parents, law enforcement and the community in working together to keep all of our students safe.

Visit HIDOE’s website for more information on Safety at School.