HAWAII, Hawaii (KHON2) — A Puna man has pleaded guilty to multiple charges related to sexual assault against minors and promoting child abuse, the Hawaiʻi County Office of the Prosecuting Attorney said.
According to the office, Joseph Donald Tibbs, 44, pleaded guilty to the charges stemming from incidents that occurred between February and May 2025.
Prosecutors say Tibbs pleaded guilty to two counts of Promoting Child Abuse in the First Degree and four counts of Sexual Assault in the First Degree.
As part of the plea deal, prosecutors say Tibbs agreed to serve 40 years in prison.
Tibbs entered his guilty pleas on July 21 in Hilo. He has been denied bail and will be required to register as a sex offender.
He has been scheduled to appear for his sentencing hearing on Oct. 15.