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Tadd Fujikawa's Father Indicted on Meth Distribution Charges

By Ron Mizutani


The father of professional golfer Tadd Fujikawa is accused of selling methamphetamine to undercover police officers on two separate occasions. According to police, Derrick Fujikawa's alleged crimes happened several months after Tadd turned pro.

Both Derrick and his wife Lori Fujikawa have been extremely visible since Tadd turned pro last July. Tonight the 17-year-olds father is visible in a different light.

44-year-old Derrick Fujikawa was indicted by an Oahu grand jury on July 31st on two counts of first-degree methamphetamine trafficking.

"Based on allegations that allegedly occurred back in September and October of '07, so there's been about year since the time of the allegations," said Victor Bakke, Derrick Fujikawa's attorney.

According to a court document, Derrick Fujikawa distributed one-eighth of an ounce or more of meth on September 24th and October 4th 2007.

"The penalties for meth trafficking what he's charged with is a class A felony with a mandatory minimum of two years to eight years and a maximum of 20," said Bakke.

Fujikawa posted 50-thousand dollars bail. A pretrial conference is set for September 18th. Fujikawa could not be reached for comment.

"He's 44 year-old this is his first criminal matter," said Bakke.

Fujikawa's mug shot is a stark contrast to the images of last year's celebration when Tadd Fujikawa turned professional. At the time, Derrick and Lori Fujikawa said it was the right choice to give their son the best shot.

"Financially we couldn't take him to the next level so that he could get to the next level," said Derrick Fujikawa last July.

"His big concern is really just for his son. His son has worked so hard and achieved so much and the mere allegation of any misconduct by the father he's just afraid that it could affect sponsorship and things like that when it really has nothing to do with his son," said Bakke.

Tadd Fujikawa is in Switzerland participating in the European Masters. His agent did not return our calls.

"Obviously the biggest concern is that this allegation overshadow or reflect poorly upon Tad -- it's got obviously nothing to do with Tad, got nothing to do with any member of the family," said Bakke.

Lori Fujikawa is in Switzerland caddying for her son. Tadd missed the cut Friday by three strokes after shooting a second round one over par 72.

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