The Honolulu medical examiner announced on Tuesday that Michael Miske, a Hawaii crime boss who passed away in federal detention, died from an opioid overdose. The official cause of death was determined to be “toxicity of fentanyl and para-fluorofentanyl,” as stated by the medical examiner’s office. Although the death seems to have been accidental, authorities mentioned that the case is currently under investigation, with an autopsy report expected to be released within the next 30 days.
It remains unclear how Miske was able to access fentanyl and para-fluorofentanyl while being held at the Honolulu Federal Detention Center. Para-fluorofentanyl, a synthetic opioid known to be more potent than fentanyl, is commonly found in illicit drugs. The Bureau of Prisons did not provide an immediate response to inquiries seeking comments regarding the situation.
Miske was discovered unresponsive at the detention center on December 1. Despite efforts by staff and emergency responders to revive him, they were unsuccessful, as reported by the agency. In July, Miske was convicted on 13 charges which included racketeering conspiracy, murder in support of racketeering, and kidnapping leading to death. He was accused of masterminding various criminal activities, such as the abduction of a 72-year-old accountant over a debt, releasing a hazardous substance into rival nightclubs, and the murder of his late son’s best friend.
Following his conviction, the government was granted authority over Miske’s substantial assets worth up to $28 million, which encompassed boats, properties, and artwork. Miske was set to receive his sentence on January 30.
The Bureau of Prisons oversees 122 federal facilities nationwide. Over recent years, the agency has faced numerous challenges, including cases of staff engaging in criminal activities like sexual abuse, chronic understaffing, escapes, and high-profile deaths. In a previous incident in August, an inmate and two accomplices were charged with a conspiracy to mail drugs to a prison in California. Subsequently, a mailroom supervisor lost his life after exposure to a letter allegedly contaminated with fentanyl and other harmful substances.
