Executive Summary
- Wilsand Sardinha, 36, was indicted on charges of robbery, kidnapping, and terroristic threatening.
- The incident occurred on Thanksgiving Day at Kan Sushi on Ala Moana Blvd.
- Court documents allege the defendant used a simulated firearm to threaten and restrain employees.
- Sardinha faces potential life imprisonment if convicted on the Class A felony counts.
An Oahu grand jury returned an indictment on Wednesday charging Wilsand Sardinha, 36, with multiple felonies stemming from an armed robbery at a sushi restaurant on Thanksgiving Day. According to court records, the defendant faces two counts of first-degree robbery, first-degree terroristic threatening, and kidnapping.
Prosecutors allege that Sardinha entered Kan Sushi, located at 1910 Ala Moana Blvd., just as the establishment was closing for the holiday. The indictment states that the defendant wielded a simulated firearm, pointing what appeared to be a handgun at employees. He allegedly demanded money from two staff members, physically restrained one individual, and directed threats toward a third person at the scene.
Authorities confirmed that Sardinha is currently being held without bail at the Oahu Community Correctional Center. The charges filed against him carry significant statutory penalties; first-degree robbery and kidnapping are Class A felonies, which are punishable by life imprisonment with the possibility of parole. The terroristic threatening charge is a Class C felony, carrying a maximum term of 10 years.
Court filings indicate that Sardinha may be subject to extended sentencing measures if convicted. Prosecutors noted his status as a persistent and multiple felony offender, which could substantially impact the duration of any potential prison term handed down by the court.
Judicial Process and Sentencing Implications
The prompt indictment by the grand jury signals the commencement of formal criminal proceedings in the circuit court. The inclusion of kidnapping charges alongside robbery elevates the severity of the case, legally reflecting the alleged restriction of the victim’s movement during the commission of the crime. As the case proceeds, the classification of the weapon as a “simulated firearm” will be a relevant evidentiary detail, though under state statutes, the threat of lethal force with a simulated weapon generally supports first-degree robbery charges. It is important to note that all individuals are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
