Kalihi Man Chris Pham Sentenced to Over 9 Years for Robbery

Chris Pham sentenced to nine years for Honolulu game room robbery

A 22-year-old Kalihi man will spend more than nine years in federal prison for an armed robbery involving a “ghost gun” at an illegal game room in Honolulu, according to the U.S. Department of Justice.

Senior United States District Judge Helen Gillmor sentenced Chris Pham to 111 months in prison on November 9, 2026. This sentence follows a conviction for Hobbs Act robbery and brandishing a firearm during the crime, as reported by mauinow.com and the U.S. Department of Justice.

The sentencing concludes a legal process stemming from a violent encounter on December 27, 2024. During that incident, Pham entered an illegal game room and stole approximately $3,000, according to his own admissions in a plea agreement.

A violent robbery using a ghost gun

The details of the robbery highlight the immediate danger posed to those inside the establishment. Pham brandished a firearm at both the operators and the patrons of the room, threatening to shoot anyone who attempted to move, the U.S. Department of Justice reported.

The weapon used in the heist was a loaded, privately made firearm, commonly known as a “ghost gun.” This type of weapon, which lacks standard serial numbers, complicates law enforcement efforts to track firearms through traditional channels.

Kalihi Man Chris Pham Sentenced to Over 9 Years for Robbery — Photo: mauinow.com

Following the robbery, Pham’s legal troubles continued. He was arrested in March 2025 after being found in possession of a separate firearm and ammunition.

“Illegal game rooms are a hotbed of violence and criminal activity, attracting people like Chris Pham who see them as cash-rich targets for armed robbery,” said U.S. Attorney Ken Sorenson.

Sorenson noted that federal, state, and local law enforcement partners are working to dismantle these illegal operations across the islands to prevent them from serving as targets for armed robbery.

The impact of illegal gaming hubs

The case highlights law enforcement concerns about how unregulated gambling and violent crime intersect. Federal authorities view these locations as major drivers of community instability.

FBI Honolulu Special Agent in Charge Tom Ryan emphasized that the sentence addresses the specific threat posed by offenders who use firearms to facilitate criminal acts. Ryan stated that Pham’s actions showed a “clear disregard for the safety of our community.”

The prosecution was handled by Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael F. Albanese. The investigation was a collaborative effort led by the FBI.

This case was managed under Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a Department of Justice initiative. The program coordinates federal, state, and local agencies to address specific public safety challenges through rapid response and high-level prosecution.

Beyond the immediate prison term, Pham is subject to five years of supervised release. This period will likely involve strict monitoring of his activities and compliance with federal law.

While this sentence addresses a specific robbery, the broader question remains for local officials: how many more illegal game rooms continue to operate as targets for similar violent crimes?