Story perspectives

Honolulu Settles $975K for Wrongful Detention of Joshua Spriestersbach

3/31/2026

Summary

Story summary

Joshua Spriestersbach will receive $975,000 from the City and County of Honolulu after being wrongfully detained for two years in a psychiatric hospital due to mistaken identity.
He was arrested in 2011 for crimes committed by Thomas Castleberry, despite police confirming he was not Castleberry.
Spriestersbach's lawsuit highlights systemic failures in identifying homeless and mentally ill individuals that contributed to his wrongful arrest.
Honolulu council members approved the settlement, with one member expressing reservations.
He may also receive $200,000 from the state for claims against the public defender’s office.

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Story summary

Joshua Spriestersbach will receive $975,000 from the City and County of Honolulu after being wrongfully detained for two years in a psychiatric hospital due to mistaken identity.
He was arrested in 2011 for crimes committed by Thomas Castleberry, despite police confirming he was not Castleberry.
Spriestersbach's lawsuit highlights systemic failures in identifying homeless and mentally ill individuals that contributed to his wrongful arrest.
Honolulu council members approved the settlement, with one member expressing reservations.
He may also receive $200,000 from the state for claims against the public defender’s office.