Prosecuting Attorney Kelden Waltjen announced that a Hilo man, 33-year-old Jude Quirantes, was charged for felony abuse related to an August 16th incident in Hilo.

As the Complaint alleges, Quirantes was charged with two counts of Felony Abuse of a Family or Household Member, for physical abuse in the presence of a minor, and the misdemeanor offense of Refusal to Comply with the Lawful Order of a Police Officer. A review of court records indicates that at the time of the alleged offenses, Quirantes was out of custody on bail pending two other unrelated felony matters and another misdemeanor case.

Quirantes made his initial appearance yesterday in Hilo Family Court before Judge Darien Ching-Nagata who maintained his bail at $25,000.00 and ordered him to appear for his preliminary hearing on August 23rd in Hilo Family Court.

The investigation was handled by Officer Justin Dodo, South Hilo Patrol, and Detective Richard Itliong, Area I Juvenile Aid Section, Hawai‘i Police Department. The case is being prosecuted by Deputy Prosecuting Attorney Christopher Rothfus.

The charges are merely allegations, and the Defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.

If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic abuse, please go to a safe place and call a trusted friend or relative for support. If you choose, you can phone 911 to report the incident to the police. The Child and Family Service 24-Hour Abuse Hotline have advocates available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to provide support and advocacy and can be reached at (808) 322-7233 in West Hawai’i and (808) 959-8864 in East Hawai’i.