Prosecuting Attorney Kelden Waltjen announced that the U.S. Attorney’s Office, District of Hawai‘i, has adopted the prosecution of 29-year-old Mikki Matsuyama and 33-year-old Elias Peace, both of Hilo, following their August 12, 2022 arrests for conspiracy to distribute and attempted possession with intent to distribute over three (3) pounds of methamphetamine and almost 1,000 fentanyl pills.
As the Federal Complaint alleges, Matsuyama and Peace were each charged with Conspiracy to Distribute and Possess with Intent to Distribute Methamphetamine and Fentanyl (conspire to distribute and to possess with intent to distribute 500 grams or more of methamphetamine and 40 grams or more of fentanyl) and Attempted Possession with Intent to Distribute Methamphetamine and Attempted Possession with Intent to Distribute Methamphetamine and Fentanyl (attempt to possess with intent to distribute 500 grams or more of methamphetamine and 40 grams or more of fentanyl).
On August 15, 2022, Matsuyama and Peace appeared for their initial appearance in U.S. Federal District Court before U.S. District Court Magistrate Judge Wes Reber Porter. Federal prosecutors filed motions requesting that Matsuyama and Peace both be denied bail. On Thursday, the Court granted Prosecutors’ motion to deny Matsuyama bail. As for Peace, a hearing is scheduled for August 22, 2022.
The investigation was a collaborative effort between local and federal agencies including the Hawai‘i Police Department’s Area I Vice Section, Hawai‘i County Prosecutors, and U.S. Department of Homeland Security Investigations. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Darren Ching.
The charges are merely allegations, and the Defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
“Our Office will continue to promote and encourage coordination between local, state, and federal law enforcement agencies to hold drug dealers accountable and prioritize the investigation and prosecution of those responsible for the distribution and trafficking of serious drugs, like methamphetamine and fentanyl, on our island,” said Prosecuting Attorney Kelden Waltjen.
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 Section in East Hawai‘i at (808) 961-2258, in West Hawai‘i at (808) 326-4646 Ext. 226, or Crime Stoppers at (808) 961-8300.
