Federal Jury Convicts Maui Man of Possession with Intent to Distribute Methamphetamine Following Internet Child-Sex Sting Operation

HONOLULU - United States Attorney Ken Sorenson announced that Christopher Grindling, 58, of Kahului, Maui, was found guilty on November 5, 2026, following a three-day jury trial before Senior United States District Judge Leslie E. Kobayashi, of possessing with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine. Sentencing is scheduled for February 25, 2027 before Judge Kobayashi.

According to court documents, Grindling was identified during an online law enforcement operation targeting individuals seeking sex with minors. As presented and proven at trial, during the operation, Grindling offered drugs and cash to an undercover officer in exchange for sex on a popular dating application. Officers with the Maui Police Department subsequently executed a search warrant at Grindling's home and found approximately 113 grams of methamphetamine locked in a safe and nearby, as well as hundreds of small plastic baggies and a digital scale.

At sentencing, Grindling faces at least 10 years and up to life in prison, a fine of up to $10,000,000, plus a term of supervised release of at least five years. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

This case was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations and the Maui Police Department.

Assistant U.S. Attorneys Gregg Paris Yates and Arisa R. Herman are prosecuting the case.