U.S. Senior District Judge Timothy Burgess from Alaska will temporarily preside over a Hawaii bribery trial against former Honolulu Prosecuting Attorney Keith Kaneshiro. After U.S. District Judge J. Michael Seabright unexpectedly recused himself, this decision was made.
Judge Seabright’s Surprise Recusal Sparks Speculation in Kaneshiro Bribery Trial
Judge Seabright’s unexplained recusal raised suspicions. He was in charge after a U.S. grand jury indicted Kaneshiro and five others in 2022. Indictment charges campaign gift bribery to prosecute former corporate employee.
Mitsunaga & Associates employees allegedly bribed Kaneshiro with campaign payments between 2012 and 2016. In 2017, Kaneshiro’s office dropped the former employee’s case for lack of probable cause.
All six accused, including Kaneshiro, have denied culpability. Judge Seabright’s surprise recusal has thrown the trial’s timing into doubt. Jury selection begins next month, but delays are possible.
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Ensuring Impartiality in Kaneshiro Bribery Case
Judge Burgess, the Alaska district U.S. attorney from 2001 to 2005, will attend hearings and the trial in Hawaii. His appointment ensures impartiality during Judge Seabright’s recusal.
Bringing in an out-of-district judge emphasizes the need for judicial justice and impartiality. Bush selected Judge Burgess and Judge Seabright in 2005, both of whom have substantial federal prosecution experience.
Judge Burgess will oversee Kaneshiro and the other defendants’ trial despite the unexpected change of events. The next hearing is February 6, with trial details unknown.