Prosecuting Attorney Kelden Waltjen announced that a Hilo woman, 31 year-old Marisa Elise Leialoha Garcia was arrested and charged with charges related to the attempted distribution of methamphetamine. On September 27, 2023, VICE officers executed narcotics search warrants upon a vehicle and residence located on Kino‘ole Street in Hilo and recovered over 46 grams of methamphetamine and drug paraphernalia. Garcia was also arrested on an unrelated District Court warrant.
Garcia is scheduled to make her initial appearance in Hilo District Court on Monday afternoon. She remains in custody in lieu of $145,000.00 bail.

As the Complaint alleges, Garcia was charged with six offenses including Promoting a Dangerous Drug in the First Degree (possess one ounce or more of methamphetamine), Attempted Promoting a Dangerous Drug in the First Degree (attempt to distribute one-eighth ounce or more of methamphetamine), Promoting a Dangerous Drug in the Second Degree (possess one-eighth ounce or more of methamphetamine), Promoting a Dangerous Drug in the Third Degree (possess any dangerous drug, methamphetamine), Promoting a Dangerous Drug in the Third Degree (possess any dangerous drug, oxycodone), and Prohibited Acts Related to Drug Paraphernalia. The most serious charges, Promoting a Dangerous Drug in the First Degree and Attempted Promoting a Dangerous Drug in the First Degree are both class A felony offenses punishable by either a twenty-year prison term or ten years probation and up to two years in jail.

The charges are merely allegations and the Defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
The felony drug investigation was led 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 to assist local law enforcement should call Crime Stoppers at (808) 961-8300.