Prosecuting Attorney Kelden Waltjen announced that a Hilo man, 30-year-old Shane Johnson, was charged for operating a stolen vehicle and felony drug charges related to an August 16th incident in Puna.
As the Complaint alleges, Johnson, a repeat offender with eight prior felony convictions, was charged with six (6) offenses including Unauthorized Control of Propelled Vehicle in the First Degree, Theft in the Second Degree, Habitual Property Crime, Driving Without a License, Promoting a Dangerous Drug in the Third Degree (methamphetamine), and Refusal or Failure to Provide Specimen for Forensic Identification.
A review of court records indicates that at the time of his arrest, Johnson was also arrested for three warrants related to revocation of his felony probation. If convicted as charged for any of the felony offenses, Johnson faces sentencing to a mandatory prison term based on his prior felony convictions.
At Johnsons hearing today in Hilo District Court. An oral motion was made by the Defense for supervised release. Deputy Prosecuting Attorney Andrew D. Son responded with an objection for the State. The motion was denied by Judge Kanani Laubach. The court stated in receipt of previously filed JDPC that enough probable cause existed for further detention. He remains in custody in lieu of $41,500.00 bail.
The lead investigators were Officers Christopher Fukumoto and Michael Sailer, Special Enforcement Unit, Area I Criminal Investigation Section, Hawai‘i Police Department. The case is being prosecuted by Deputy Prosecuting Attorney Kevin Hashizaki.
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 to assist local law enforcement should call Crime Stoppers at (808) 961-8300 in East Hawai‘i or (808) 329-8181 in West Hawai‘i.