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Prosecuting Attorney Kelden Waltjen announced that a Hilo grand jury indicted 25 year-old Daniel Harris-Rivera of Hilo with six offenses involving the sexual assault of a minor, the offenses are alleged to have occurred over a span of three years, between 2018 and February of 2021. On February 15, 2022, Harris-Rivera was arrested on the grand jury warrant and later released after posting $220,000.00 cash bail. He is scheduled to make his initial appearance in Hilo Circuit Court on Wednesday afternoon.
Prosecuting Attorney Kelden Waltjen announced that a Hilo grand jury indicted 25 year-old Daniel Harris-Rivera of Hilo with six offenses involving the sexual assault of a minor, the offenses are alleged to have occurred over a span of three years, between 2018 and February of 2021. On February 15, 2022, Harris-Rivera was arrested on the grand jury warrant and later released after posting $220,000.00 cash bail. He is scheduled to make his initial appearance in Hilo Circuit Court on Wednesday afternoon.As the Indictment alleges, Harris-Rivera is charged with three counts of Sexual Assault in the First Degree, two counts of Sexual Assault in the Third Degree, and a single count of Continuous Sexual Assault of a Minor Under the Age of Fourteen Years.
Sexual Assault in the First Degree and Continuous Sexual Assault of a Minor Under the Age of Fourteen Years are both class A felony offenses and carry a maximum penalty of a twenty (20) year prison term.
Prosecutors have provided notice in the Indictment, to seek an extended term if Harris-Rivera is convicted of two or more felonies, thereby subjecting him to the possibility of a life sentence.
The lead investigator was Lieutenant BJ Sagon, Area II Juvenile Aid Section, Hawai’i Police Department. The case is being prosecuted by Deputy Prosecuting Attorney Heipua Ahloy.
The charges are merely allegations, and the Defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
If you or someone you know has experienced sexual assault, please go to a safe place, and call a trusted friend or relative for support. You can call 911 to report the sexual assault to the police. The YWCA Hawai’i Island 24-Hour Sexual Assault Crisis Hotline has advocates available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to provide support and advocacy. They can be reached at (808) 935-0677.
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.