HONOLULU (KHON2) — The final defendant in the Miske Enterprise was sentenced to 30 years in federal prison for racketeering conspiracy, robbery and drug trafficking.
Lance L. Bermudez, 34, was sentenced in federal court on Monday, July 15, after admitting that he, co-defendant Michael Miske and other members of the Miske Enterprise “participated in a murder-for-hire conspiracy.”
Court documents said Miske paid Bermudez $60,000 to murder an individual he believed was cooperating with law enforcement.
Bermudez waited outside the victim’s home on multiple occasions, but ultimately did not commit the crime due to Miske rescinding the contract.
In his 2022 plea agreement, Bermudez also admitted he took part in multiple attempted murders and burned the van that was used to abduct and murder 21-year-old Johnathan Fraser.
Officials said Bermudez also committed several armed robberies against Honolulu drug dealers and sold the stolen drugs to the community.
Our decade-long effort with our outstanding law enforcement partners has now resulted in the federal convictions of 20 Miske confederates who now can no longer victimize Hawaii’s citizens and communities. While the work against the Miske Enterprise is done, the people of Hawaii can rest assured that the United States Attorney’s Office for the District of Hawaii and our dedicated and resolute law enforcement partners at the Honolulu Division of the FBI, IRS and Homeland Security Investigations, among others, will continue to tirelessly hunt down and prosecute those who operate violent criminal enterprises in our state and endanger our citizens.
Acting U.S. Attorney Ken Sorenson
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During his sentencing, U.S. District Chief Judge Derrick K. Watson said Bermudez has “terrorized the city and county to a greater extent than anyone [he] can remember.”
Judge Watson also noted the “brazenness” and “unprecedented nature” of Bermudez, especially amongst other co-conspirators.