Hawaii crime boss dies of overdose in federal custody: medical examiner

A well-known Hawaiian businessman who led an extensive criminal enterprise, involving the laundering of drug money through front companies and orchestrating the brutal torture and murder of his son’s close friend, passed away in federal custody due to an opioid overdose, as confirmed by the Honolulu medical examiner on Tuesday.

Michael Miske, aged 50, succumbed to a combination of fentanyl and para-fluorofentanyl toxicity, as disclosed by the medical examiner’s office in a statement obtained by the Associated Press. Although his demise is believed to be accidental, the circumstances surrounding it are still being investigated, with an autopsy report expected to be released in approximately 30 days.

Miske was discovered unresponsive at the Honolulu Federal Detention Center on December 1, with efforts to revive him proving futile, as reported by the Bureau of Prisons to the AP.

The Hawaiian crime lord had been found guilty of racketeering conspiracy, murder, and 11 other serious charges on July 18, as indicated in a press release from the Justice Department on July 24. While his sentencing was initially slated for November, it had been rescheduled for January 30, according to the AP.

The specifics of how the architect behind the “Miske Enterprise” from the late 1990s until his arrest in July 2020 for the abduction and killing of 21-year-old Jonathan Fraser obtained fentanyl and para-fluorofentanyl remain unclear. These synthetic opioids, which are more potent than fentanyl, are commonly found in illicit substances.

Fraser, who was the best friend of Miske’s deceased son, Caleb Miske, was involved in a fatal car accident with Caleb in November 2015, resulting in Caleb’s tragic death. Although initial reports indicated that Caleb was driving at the time of the crash, Miske contended that Fraser bore responsibility for his son’s demise due to their shared passion for cars and racing.

Miske’s conviction empowered the government to seize assets worth up to $28 million, including properties, boats, and artwork tied to his criminal activities.

The Federal Bureau of Prisons has yet to respond to inquiries from Fox News Digital regarding the matter.

This article was compiled with contributions from Fox News’ Christina Coulter and the Associated Press.