Hawaii crime boss dies prison months after being convicted, authorities say

HONOLULU– A crime boss from Hawaii who was convicted of extortion died in prison last summer, authorities said.

Michael Miske, 50, was found unconscious at the Honolulu Federal Detention Center on Sunday and lifesaving efforts by staff and medical responders could not save him, the Bureau of Prisons said in a news release. It was unclear what the cause of his death was.

His trial attorneys did not immediately respond to an email Monday seeking comment.

Miske was convicted in July of thirteen charges, including racketeering conspiracy, murder with the aid of racketeering and kidnapping resulting in death. He was accused of orchestrating crimes including the kidnapping of a 72-year-old indebted accountant, the release of a toxic chemical in a rival’s nightclubs and the murder of his late son’s best friend.

The conviction gave the government the right to take control of up to $28 million of Miske’s assets, including boats, houses and works of art.

He was scheduled to be sentenced on January 30.