Former Wrestling Coach Arrested in Hawaii Child Pornography Case

A former wrestling coach at Moanalua High School in Hawaii has been arrested on federal charges related to the alleged possession and receipt of child sexual abuse material.

Sean Sakaida, 44, of Honolulu, was taken into custody on September 24, according to the US Attorney’s Office for the District of Hawaii. The FBI is now seeking information from potential victims as part of the ongoing investigation.

Federal authorities allege that Sakaida engaged in inappropriate conduct involving minor athletes over a period dating back to 2012. The allegations span his time working as a wrestling coach at different schools in Hawaii.

According to reports cited by the investigation, Sakaida was suspended from his position at Moanalua High School last year following an allegation involving a student athlete.

Earlier, in 2012, when he was coaching wrestling at Roosevelt High School, a parent reportedly raised concerns about his communications with young wrestlers. The allegations included late-night text messages and an alleged incident involving a 13-year-old minor.

The latest federal complaint concerns communications between Sakaida and a minor between 2025 and 2026. Authorities allege that he exchanged frequent WhatsApp messages with the minor and obtained multiple sexually explicit images involving the victim.

Officials have not publicly disclosed the victim’s age, gender or whether the person was connected to Sakaida through his coaching activities.

Sakaida faces federal charges involving the possession and receipt of child sexual abuse material. If convicted, he could face a prison sentence of between five and 20 years, along with financial penalties of up to $250,000 and a period of supervised release.

The FBI’s Honolulu Field Office is also appealing to anyone who may have information about possible victims or additional incidents involving Sakaida.

Authorities have asked potential victims, their guardians or anyone with relevant information to contact the FBI through its official reporting process. Investigators have also encouraged people who know someone who may have been affected to inform them about the opportunity to provide information directly.

The investigation remains ongoing. The allegations against Sakaida have not been established as facts in court, and the charges will have to be proved through the legal process.