Hilo man has been sentenced to a decade in prison following a significant narcotics and firearms seizure at a Keaukaha property.

Seth Spidell, 36, received the sentence in Hilo Circuit Court today in connection with a search warrant executed on April 21, 2022, at a Kauhane Avenue residence. Spidell pleaded guilty to five felony charges, including drug promotion and firearms offenses.

Although prosecutors pushed for a 15-year sentence, the court ruled that Spidell’s sentences would run concurrently, amounting to a total of 10 years.

The search uncovered over 18 pounds of methamphetamine, an Ingram MAC-10 9mm semi-automatic pistol, two unserialized 9mm semi-automatic handguns, a high-capacity magazine, ammunition, drug paraphernalia, and over $13,000 in cash, according to police reports.

Spidell pleaded guilty in September to charges including Promoting a Dangerous Drug in the Second Degree, Attempted Promoting a Dangerous Drug in the Second Degree, two counts of Ownership or Possession Prohibited, and Manufacturing, Purchasing, or Obtaining Firearm Parts to Assemble a Firearm Having no Serial Number.

The charges for drug promotion and possession of firearms are class B felonies, each carrying a potential maximum sentence of 10 years.

The investigation was conducted by the Hawai‘i Police Department’s Area I Vice Section and prosecuted by Deputy Prosecuting Attorney Elyssa Correia Keltner.

“Drugs continue to be one of the primary motivations for criminal activity on Hawai‘i Island,” said Prosecuting Attorney Kelden Waltjen. “Our office will remain focused on prosecuting those who distribute drugs and harm our community. This outcome reflects the dedication of our police and prosecutors.”

The Office of the Prosecuting Attorney encourages anyone with information on illegal drug activities to contact the Hawai‘i Police Department’s Vice Section in East Hawai‘i at (808) 961-2258 or West Hawai‘i at (808) 326-4646 ext. 226. Information can also be shared anonymously via Crime Stoppers at (808) 961-8300.