Prosecuting Attorney Kelden Waltjen has announced that a couple, 38-year-old Keoni Mata of Pahoa and 22-year-old Abcde Glimane of Kea’au, were charged in relation to the theft of a Honda motorcycle and a Dodge Ram and Toyota pickup trucks.

As the Complaint alleges, Mata, a persistent offender with17 prior felony convictions, was charged with two counts of Theft in the First Degree and a single count each of Habitual Property Crime Offender and Unauthorized Entry Into a Motor Vehicle in the First Degree. The most serious offense, Theft in the First Degree is a class B felony that carries a maximum penalty of ten (10) years in prison. His bail was set at $70,000.00. At the time of his arrest, Mata was also wanted for an unrelated district court bench warrant.

As the Complaint alleges, Glimane was charged with two counts of Theft in the First Degree and a single count of Unauthorized Control of Propelled Vehicle in the First Degree. Her bail was set at $60,000.00.

The couple is scheduled to make their initial appearance today in Hilo District Court.

The lead investigator was Officer Michael Sailer, Special Enforcement Unit, Area I Criminal Investigation Section, Hawai‘i Police Department. The case is being prosecuted by Deputy Prosecuting Attorney Jeff Malate.

The charges are merely allegations, and the Defendant(s) 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 in East Hawai‘i or (808) 329-8181 in West Hawai‘i.