Hawaii Crime Boss Dies of Opioid Overdose in Federal Detention
A Hawaii crime boss, Michael Miske, 50, has died of an opioid overdose while in federal detention, according to the Honolulu medical examiner’s office. Miske was found unresponsive at the Honolulu Federal Detention Center on December 1 and despite efforts by staff and emergency responders, he was pronounced dead.
The medical examiner’s office determined that Miske died of “toxicity of fentanyl and para-fluorofentanyl,” a synthetic opioid that is more potent than fentanyl. The cause of death is currently under investigation and an autopsy report is expected to take at least 30 days.
Miske was convicted in July of 13 charges including racketeering conspiracy, murder in the aid of racketeering, and kidnapping resulting in death. He was accused of orchestrating various crimes, including the kidnapping of a 72-year-old accountant, the release of a toxic chemical into a rival’s nightclubs, and the killing of his late son’s best friend.
The Bureau of Prisons did not immediately respond to a request for comment on how Miske obtained the opioids while in detention. The agency has been plagued by a series of incidents and crises in recent years, including rampant sexual abuse and understaffing.