HONOLULU – The father of 17-year-old Hawaii golf pro Tadd Fujikawa is awaiting trial on two first-degree charges of trafficking methamphetamine.
“His biggest concern is the effect or shadow that this might cast on his son and his son's career,” Victor Bakke, Derrick Fujikawa's defense attorney, told Honolulu television station KGMB.
According to a document released Thursday by the city prosecutor's office, Derrick Fujikawa, 44, was named in an indictment returned July 31 by a Honolulu grand jury. It said he distributed one-eighth of an ounce or more of meth Sept. 24 and Oct. 4.
The Honolulu Advertiser reported Fujikawa was free on $50,000 bail awaiting trial Oct. 20 in state Circuit Court. If convicted, he could face up to 40 years in prison.
KGMB reported the indictment stemmed from an undercover sting operation.
“These are allegations, very serious allegations. But again they have nothing to with Tadd,” Bakke said.
Tadd Fujikawa is in Switzerland, playing in the European Masters. With his mother, Lori, caddying for him, the Moanalua High School student carded 2-over-par 73 Thursday to stand 10 strokes behind 19-year-old leader Rory McIlroy of Northern Ireland.
Tadd Fujikawa turned pro July 12, 2007, at age 16.