A Hilo couple 33-year-old Bronson Isaac Kaleo Lee and 33-year-old Priscilla Lee, were arrested and charged with firearm offenses as well as possession of methamphetamine, fentanyl, heroin, and methylphenidate. The arrests were made after officers with the Area I Vice Section executed a residential narcotic search warrant upon the couple’s Akolea Road home on October 24, 2022. Bronson Lee was also arrested on two (2) unrelated Big Island Drug Court bench warrants.
Bronson Lee is scheduled to make his initial appearance in Hilo District Court on Thursday afternoon. He remains in custody in lieu of $119,000.00 bail. Priscilla Lee made her initial appearance on Wednesday afternoon in Hilo District Court where she was granted supervised release over Prosecutors’ objections. Her preliminary hearing is scheduled for November 9, 2022.
Prosecuting Attorney Kelden Waltjen announced that as the Complaint alleges, Bronson Lee, who has 16 prior felony convictions, was charged with Ownership or Possession of a Firearm Prohibited (H&K 9mm handgun, prior felony conviction), Ownership or Possession of Firearm Prohibited (Mossberg 500 12 gauge shotgun, prior felony conviction), Ownership or Possession of Ammunition Prohibited (9mm, prior felony conviction), Promoting a Dangerous Drug in the Third Degree (possess any amount of heroin), Promoting a Dangerous Drug in the Third Degree (possess any amount of methamphetamine), Promoting a Dangerous Drug in the Third Degree (possess any amount of fentanyl), Promoting a Dangerous Drug in the Third Degree (possess any amount of methylphenidate), and two counts of Storage of Firearms with Respect to Minors. A review of Court minutes indicates that Lee is currently pending revocation of his felony probation on two unrelated matters.
Prosecuting Attorney Kelden Waltjen announced that as the Complaint alleges, Priscilla Lee is charged with Hindering Prosecution in the First Degree, Promoting a Dangerous Drug in the Third Degree (possessing any amount of heroin), Promoting a Dangerous Drug in the Third Degree (possessing any amount of methamphetamine), Promoting a Dangerous Drug in the Third Degree (possess any amount of fentanyl), Promoting a Dangerous Drug in the Third Degree (possess any amount of methylphenidate), and two counts of Storage of Firearms with Respect to Minors.
The most serious offense, Ownership or Possession Prohibited, is a class B felony offense that carries a maximum penalty of ten (10) years in prison.
The investigation was handled by members of the Area I Vice 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 Section 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.
