Today, Prosecuting Attorney Kelden Waltjen announced that a Hilo man, 61-year-old Lawrence Abiley, was charged for a robbery that occurred on July 3rd on Banyan Drive in Hilo.
As the Complaint alleges, Abiley was charged with Robbery in the Second Degree, Terroristic Threatening in the Second Degree, and Assault in the Third Degree. Prosecutors also provided notice that Abiley is a repeat and persistent offender based on his prior felony convictions. At the time of his arrest, Abiley was on supervised release, over the objection of Prosecutors, for revocation of his felony probation. Abiley had filed a motion requesting supervised release due to COVID-19 concerns at the Hawai’i Community Correctional Center. Abiley is scheduled to make his initial appearance today in Hilo District Court. He remains in custody in lieu of $27,000.00 bail.
The investigation was handled by Officer Kris Palea, South Hilo Patrol, 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.
