Convicted Drug Dealer Charged with Trafficking Methamphetamine While Armed with Firearm, Extended Magazine, and Drum Magazine
News Release from U.S. Attorney's Office, District of Hawaii, Friday, October 16, 2026
HONOLULU – United States Attorney Ken Sorenson announced that Shalom Tuimalealiifano, 44, of Honolulu, Hawaii, was indicted on October 15, 2026 with possessing with intent to distribute methamphetamine, possession of a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking, and unlawful possession of ammunition as a convicted felon.
According to court records, Tuimalealiifano possessed methamphetamine with the intent to distribute it to others, as well as a loaded pistol with a 31-round extended magazine, which he used in furtherance of his drug trafficking. Tuimalealiifano, who has a prior felony conviction for drug trafficking, was also charged with unlawfully possessing ammunition, including 39 rounds in a separate drum magazine.
If convicted, Tuimalealiifano faces at least 20 years and up to life in prison, a fine of up to $20,000,000, plus a term of supervised release.
The charges in the indictment are merely accusations, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law. In the case of conviction, any sentence would be imposed by a United States District Judge based on the statutory sentencing factors and the advisory United States Sentencing Guidelines.
The FBI is investigating the case.
Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Heidi Turner is prosecuting the case.
Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) is the Department of Justice’s nationwide initiative that brings federal, state, local, and tribal law enforcement, prosecutors, and other public safety partners together to coordinate efforts to combat violent crime and make communities safe. Coordinated by U.S. Attorneys’ offices in each of the 94 federal districts, PSN is tailored to particular communities to strategically address specific violent crime and public safety challenges. As a key component of Operation Take Back America, PSN serves a central role in the Department’s commitment to make our country safe. PSN emphasizes three core principles: rapid federal response to violent crime and criminal offenders; strong, strategic partnerships among law enforcement at all levels; and accountability and deterrence through the prosecution of the most serious, readily provable offenses and other strategies. These efforts complement and strengthen President Trump’s Homeland Security Task Force, ensuring a comprehensive federal response to the most pressing public safety issues facing communities.
HNN: Court records show Tuimalealiifano has multiple prior felony convictions for assault, criminal property damage, and drug possession.
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Waimanalo Man Sentenced to Ten Years in Prison for Distributing Methamphetamine
News Release, U.S. Attorney's Office, District of Hawaii, Friday, October 16, 2026
HONOLULU – United States Attorney Ken Sorenson announced that John Junior Fritz, 48, of Waimanalo, Hawaii, was sentenced yesterday by Senior United States District Judge J. Michael Seabright to 120 months in federal prison for possession with the intent to distribute methamphetamine, followed by 5 years of supervised release.
According to court documents, in April 2025, Fritz was arrested by the Honolulu Police Department driving a stolen car that contained approximately two pounds of methamphetamine and other drug distribution paraphernalia. As part of his ongoing drug trafficking, Fritz obtained two to three pounds of methamphetamine every few days for distribution into the community and for his personal use.
While on pretrial release, Fritz absconded from Sand Island Treatment Center. He was arrested three months later and detained pending sentencing.
The Drug Enforcement Administration and the Honolulu Police Department investigated the case.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Rebecca A. Perlmutter prosecuted the case.
This case is part of Operation Take Back America a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime.