Trial Update: Man Accused of Sex Assault in Mall Bathroom

Trial has yet to begin for a man arrested and charged for the alleged attempted sex assault of a woman in a mall bathroom earlier this year.

Raymond Birano Jr. appeared in court today as his attorney, Jon Apo asked that the case be continued in due course, noting there are more motions to file, and some outstanding discovery issues.  There was no objection by the prosecution, represented by Deputy Prosecuting Attorney Robert Rivera.

Judge Richard Bissen continued the trial to Sept. 16, 2019 at 8 a.m.  It was also noted that Birano waives his rights to a speedy trial under Rule 48.

Raymond Birano, Jr. entered a not guilty plea in Second Circuit Court in January. PC: (1.14.19) by Wendy Osher

Birano is charged with kidnapping and first degree sex assault, both Class A felonies.

The charges stem from an incident on Jan. 3, 2019 at the bathroom area near the food court of the Queen Kaʻahumanu Center in Kahului. During the incident, Birano allegedly grabbed a 40-year-old woman, forced her inside the men’s bathroom and into a stall where he pulled out a knife and threatened to sexually assault her, according to police reports.

Birano entered not guilty pleas on Jan. 14, 2019.

Earlier, we reported that Birano has a prior conviction for murder, according to a March 1979 article published in The Honolulu Star-Bulletin. He was reportedly sentenced to 20 years in prison and was released on March 16, 2011.

Birano was being held at the Maui Community Correctional Center on $500,000 bail at last report.