Maui mother sentenced to probation in 2021 child abuse case

WAILUKU (HawaiiNewsNow) – A Maui mother was sentenced to probation Thursday after pleading guilty to assaulting her son in 2021.

It comes after she accepted a plea deal in exchange for testifying against her ex-boyfriend Christian Rosete.

Passion Quirk, 26, was sentenced to four years’ probation.

“While I was in prison, I had a lot of time to think about what happened, and I understand the seriousness of everything that happened, and I took responsibility, and I spent my time, and I want from just continue here. I don’t want my past to define me, and I want to be a better person,” Quirk said.

Quirk was originally charged with attempted murder after her 11-month-old son was taken to hospital with life-threatening injuries.

However, she struck a deal with prosecutors earlier this year to plead guilty to the lesser charge of assault in exchange for her testimony against her co-defendant and ex-boyfriend Rosete, in which he said he abused both her and her infant son.

Quirk admitted she didn’t report it.

“The courage it took to stand up and talk about all those difficult things she had to talk about during the Rosete trial. A lot of it was embarrassing. A lot of it was not something anyone would want to share, but she took these steps because she wanted to make sure he was held accountable for his actions, just as she is held accountable for hers,” her attorney Jacob Delaplane said.

Last month, a jury found Rosete guilty of five charges, including assault.

He now faces an enhanced sentence of up to 50 years behind bars.

Quirk has already served approximately three years in prison and was given credit for time served.

“She deserved all those days. She deserved them all. She also deserves the opportunity at this time to achieve the success that I believe she can achieve,” said Maui Prosecutor Andrew Martin.

Ultimately, the child’s biological father, who now has custody of the boy, said he forgave Quirk, demonstrating this by giving her a recent graduation photo of their son from kindergarten and a hug.

“There are rocky roads of forgiveness, knowing that we are not all perfect. We all fall short of grace,” said James Dean Gamponia.

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