Hawaii police sergeant pleads not guilty to abusing wife

HONOLULU (AP) — A Hawaii police sergeant has requested a jury trial after pleading not guilty to charges he abused and harassed his estranged wife, a report said.

Darren Cachola, 46, was charged with one count of misdemeanor abuse and two counts of petty misdemeanor harassment, The Honolulu Star-Advertiser reported Thursday.

Defense attorney William Harrison filed the pleas on behalf of the 23-year police veteran, who did not appear in court and remains free after posting $1,500 bail.

Cachola abused his wife in the presence of a child April 23, authorities have said.

The couple has two children and they are living in separate homes while in the process of obtaining a divorce.

Judge Naunanikinau Kamalii scheduled a June 3 hearing in response to Cachola’s request for a jury trial.

Kamalii reduced Cachola’s bail to $200 to ensure “he participates as he is supposed to in the proceedings going forward,” noting that Cachola is obligated to appear at future hearings.

Cachola’s wife has filed a civil lawsuit accusing him and the police department of negligence, conspiracy and infliction of emotional distress.

The Honolulu Police Department placed him on restricted duty.

Cachola had been fired after a 2014 surveillance video showed him hitting a former girlfriend at a restaurant.

He regained his position when an arbitrator reversed the decision.