Prosecuting Attorney Kelden Waltjen announced that 34 year-old Julissa Herrera of Hilo was arrested and charged in relation to an incident that occurred on May 29, 2024. According to police reports, Herrera was arrested along with two other individuals after being contacted within a car parked approximately 300 feet south of Lincoln Park in Hilo. Following the execution of narcotics search warrants, Vice officers recovered nearly seven grams of heroin, six grams of methamphetamine, $527.00
in U.S. currency, over 100 unused zip packets, and various drug paraphernalia.

Herrera made her initial appearance in Hilo District Court on June 3, 2024. Her bail was maintained at $210,000.00 and she was ordered to appear for a status hearing on June 17, 2024.

As the Complaint alleges, Herrera is charged with Attempted Promoting a Dangerous Drug in the First Degree (distribute one-eighth ounce or more of heroin), Promoting a Controlled Substance In, On or Near Schools, School Vehicles, Public Parks, or Public Housing Projects or Complexes, Promoting a Dangerous Drug in the Second Degree (possess over one-eighth ounce of heroin), two counts of Promoting a Dangerous Drug in the Third Degree, and Prohibited Acts Related to Drug Paraphernalia.

The most serious offense, Attempted Promoting a Dangerous Drug in the First Degree, is a class A felony offense which carries a penalty of either a twenty-year prison term or ten years probation and up 24 months in jail. Promoting a Controlled Substance In, On or Near Schools, School Vehicles, Public Parks, or Public Housing Projects or Complexes is a class C felony offense which carries a penalty of either a five-year prison term or four years probation and up to twelve months in jail.

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

The felony drug investigation was handled by the Area I Vice Section, Hawai‘i Police Department. The case is being prosecuted by Deputy Prosecuting Attorney Elyssa Correia Keltner.

The Office of the Prosecuting Attorney remains dedicated to the pursuit of justice with integrity and commitment. Anyone having information concerning illegal narcotics distribution should call the Hawai‘i Police Department Vice Section in East Hawai‘i at (808) 934-8423, West Hawai‘i at (808) 329-0423, or Crime Stoppers at (808) 961-8300.