Man Charged with Murder in Relation to Methamphetamine Trafficking

A California man made his initial appearance in the District of Hawaii today to face charges related to his role in the murder of another man in connection with drug trafficking.

According to court documents, on March 27, 2021, Filimone Tavake, 36, of San Francisco, allegedly killed a Hawaii resident at the victim’s home in connection to a drug distribution conspiracy. Tavake was arrested on March 22 in California.

Tavake is charged with carry, use and discharge of a firearm during and in relation to a drug trafficking crime; causing the death of a person through use of a firearm; killing while engaged in conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine; and conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine. If convicted, Tavake faces a mandatory minimum sentence of 20 years in prison and a maximum penalty of life in prison.

Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Nicole M. Argentieri, head of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division; U.S. Attorney Clare E. Connors for the District of Hawaii; Special Agent in Charge Steven Merrill of the FBI; and Chief Arthur “Joe” Logan of the Honolulu Police Department made the announcement.

The FBI and Honolulu Police Department are investigating the case.

Trial Attorney Christina Taylor of the Criminal Division’s Violent Crime and Racketeering Section and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Hawaii are prosecuting the case.

An indictment is merely an allegation. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.