The medical examiner in Honolulu has determined that a prominent Hawaii crime figure who passed away while in federal custody earlier this month was the victim of an opioid overdose. According to authorities, Michael Miske, aged 50, succumbed to a lethal combination of fentanyl and para-fluorofentanyl. The Honolulu medical examiner’s office released a statement confirming the cause of death, citing the toxic effects of these substances. While his demise is believed to have been accidental, an ongoing inquiry is seeking further details, with an official autopsy report expected to require approximately 30 more days for completion.
The circumstances surrounding how Miske obtained access to fentanyl and para-fluorofentanyl while held at the Honolulu Federal Detention Center remain unclear. Para-fluorofentanyl, a synthetic opioid known for its increased potency compared to fentanyl, is commonly found in illicit narcotics. Despite inquiries, the Bureau of Prisons has yet to respond to requests for comments regarding the situation.
Miske was discovered unresponsive at the detention facility on December 1st. Despite efforts by staff and medical responders, their attempts to revive him were unsuccessful, as confirmed by the agency. Miske had been convicted in July on multiple charges, including conspiracy to commit racketeering, murder in connection to racketeering, and kidnapping resulting in a fatality. Allegations against him ranged from orchestrating criminal activities such as the abduction of a 72-year-old accountant indebted to him, releasing a harmful substance in rival nightclubs, to the murder of his deceased son’s close friend.
The conviction of Miske entitled the government to seize control of assets totaling up to $28 million, comprising various properties like boats, residences, and valuable artwork. His sentencing had been scheduled for January 30th, prior to his untimely demise.
The Bureau of Prisons manages a network of 122 federal detention facilities across the United States. In recent years, the institution has faced a string of challenges and crises, ranging from reports of widespread staff misconduct including sexual abuse, chronic understaffing, incidents of escape, to high-profile fatalities. Just a few months ago, an inmate along with two accomplices were charged with a conspiracy to send drugs through the mail to a penitentiary in California. Tragically, the supervisor in the mailroom lost his life after being exposed to a letter allegedly laced with fentanyl and other dangerous substances.
