Prosecuting Attorney Kelden Waltjen announced that a Hilo man, 25-year-old Jerome Thompson, was charged in relation to a domestic and firearms-related incident that occurred on July 14, 2022, at the Hale Ulu Hoi III Apartments on Laukapu Street in Hilo.

As the Complaint alleges, Thompson was charged with six (6) offenses including Abuse of Family or Household Member (physically abuse a family or household member), Terroristic Threatening in the First Degree (with a dangerous instrument or a simulated firearm), Permits to Acquire, Alteration of Identification Marks Prohibited (alter, remove, or obliterate the name of the make, model, manufacturer’s number, or other mark of identity of any firearm or ammunition), Place to Keep Pistol or Revolver, and Registration Mandatory. The most serious offense, Place to Keep Pistol or Revolver, is a class B felony offense which carries a penalty of a ten (10) year prison term or four (4) years probation and up to eighteen (18) months of jail.

Thompson is scheduled to make his initial appearance on Monday afternoon in Hilo District Court. At this time, Thompson remains in custody in lieu of $40,000.00 bail.

The investigation was initiated by South Hilo Patrol and the felony investigation was handled by the Area I Juvenile Aid Section, Hawai‘i Police Department. The case is being prosecuted by Deputy Prosecuting Attorney Jeff Malate.

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.