As the Complaint alleges, Bento was charged with Promoting a Dangerous Drug in the Second Degree, Promoting a Dangerous Drug in the Third Degree, and Prohibited Acts Related to Drug Paraphernalia. Review of court records indicate that at the time of the alleged offenses, Bento was on supervised release and after having posted bail in two other unrelated felony drug cases.
Bento is scheduled to make his initial appearance today in Hilo District Court. He remains in custody in lieu of $35,000.00 bail.
The investigation was handled by Detective Keith Simeona, Special Enforcement Unit of the Area I Criminal Investigation Section, Hawai‘i Police Department. The case is being prosecuted by Deputy Prosecuting Attorney Elyssa Correia-Keltner.
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 concerning illegal narcotics distribution should call the Hawai‘i Police Department Vice Unit in East Hawai‘i at (808) 961-2258 or in West Hawai‘i at (808) 326-4646 Ext. 226, or Crime Stoppers at (808) 961-8300 in East Hawai‘i or (808) 329-8181 in West Hawai‘i.