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.
Source: U.S. Attorney’s Office — Hawaii — U.S. Department of Justice press release.