Prosecuting Attorney Kelden Waltjen announced that a Ka‘u man, 32 year-old Pohakea Lipe, was arrested and charged for felony unauthorized control of a propelled vehicle, in regards to a moped originally reported stolen from a Kona condominium parking lot on February 28, 2022.
Lipe was also arrested on three (3) other outstanding warrants. A review of court minutes indicates that Lipe was already pending another unrelated felony matter in Kona Circuit Court.
As the Complaint alleges, Lipe was charged with Unauthorized Control of a Propelled Vehicle in the First Degree. Unauthorized Control of a Propelled Vehicle in the First Degree is a class C felony offense that carries a maximum penalty of five (5) years in prison.
Lipe will appear in Kona District Court for the new unauthorized control of propelled vehicle charges on Monday. He remains in custody in lieu of $17,150.00 total bail.
The investigation was handled by Officer Manuel Soares, IV, Kona Patrol, and Detective Donovan Kohara, Area II Criminal Investigation Section, Hawai‘i Police Department. The case is being prosecuted by Deputy Prosecuting Attorney Annaliese Wolf.
The charges are merely allegations, and the Defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
The Office of the Prosecuting Attorney remains dedicated to the pursuit of justice with integrity and commitment. Anyone having information to assist local law enforcement should call Crime Stoppers at (808) 961-8300.
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