A recent report from the Honolulu medical examiner’s office revealed that Michael Miske, a prominent Hawaii crime boss who passed away in federal detention, died from an opioid overdose. The cause of death was determined to be a result of “toxicity of fentanyl and para-fluorofentanyl,” according to the statement released by the medical examiner’s office. While the death appears to have been accidental, the case is still under investigation, with an autopsy report expected to be released in the next 30 days.
Miske, 50, was found unresponsive at the Honolulu Federal Detention Center on December 1st. Despite efforts by staff and emergency medical responders to save him, he could not be revived. The Bureau of Prisons, which operates the federal lockup where Miske was held, did not immediately respond to requests for comment on the incident.
Para-fluorofentanyl, a synthetic opioid that is more potent than fentanyl, is known to be present in illicit drugs. It remains unclear how Miske obtained access to these substances while in custody at the detention center. Miske had been convicted in July on 13 charges, including racketeering conspiracy, murder in aid of racketeering, and kidnapping resulting in death. The crimes he was accused of orchestrating included the kidnapping of a 72-year-old accountant, the release of a toxic chemical into a rival’s nightclubs, and the murder of his late son’s best friend.
Following his conviction, the government was entitled to seize up to $28 million worth of Miske’s assets, including boats, houses, and artwork. Miske was scheduled to be sentenced on January 30th for his crimes. The Honolulu Federal Detention Center, where Miske was housed, has been at the center of various incidents and crises in recent years, ranging from rampant sexual abuse and criminal misconduct by staff to chronic understaffing, escapes, and high-profile deaths.
In a separate incident in August, an inmate and two accomplices were charged with conspiring to mail drugs to a penitentiary in California. A mailroom supervisor at the facility died after opening a letter that was found to be laced with fentanyl and other substances. The Bureau of Prisons continues to face challenges in maintaining safety and security within its 122 federal lockups across the country.
