Hilo, HI – Seanson Marpel, 22, has been arrested and charged with 19 offenses, including robbery, assault, and identity theft, following an incident involving a sword-like weapon outside of Wailoa Grill in Hilo on February 25th. Prosecuting Attorney Kelden Waltjen announced the charges, which also stem from the unauthorized use and possession of credit cards belonging to two other individuals on February 25th and 26th.
Marpel made his initial appearance in Hilo District Court on Wednesday afternoon. Despite arguments from prosecutors to increase bail, the Court maintained bail at $80,400.00. He is scheduled to appear for a preliminary hearing on March 4, 2025.
Marpel is charged with 19 offenses, including:
- Robbery in the First Degree
- Assault in the Second Degree
- Theft in the Second Degree
- Terroristic Threatening in the First Degree
- Promoting a Dangerous Drug in the Third Degree
- Two counts of Unauthorized Possession of Confidential Personal Information
- Four counts each of Identity Theft in the Third Degree
- Four counts each of Attempted Theft in the Fourth Degree
- Four counts each of Fraudulent Use of a Credit Card
Robbery in the First Degree, the most serious offense, is a Class A felony carrying a potential penalty of a twenty-year prison term. The remaining felony charges are Class C felonies, punishable by either a five-year prison term or a probation term of four years and up to twelve months in jail.
“The charges are merely allegations, and the Defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty,” stated the Office of the Prosecuting Attorney in a press release.
The case was initiated and the arrest was made by South Hilo Patrol. The felony investigation was handled by Detective Lisa Ebesugawa, Area I Criminal Investigation Section, Hawai‘i Police Department. Deputy Prosecuting Attorney Woodrow Pengelly is prosecuting the case.
The Office of the Prosecuting Attorney encourages anyone with information that may assist law enforcement to call Crime Stoppers at (808) 961-8300.
