Prosecuting Attorney Kelden Waltjen announced that 48 year-old Kris Villasista was arrested and charged in relation to the theft of a Toyota Tacoma originally reported stolen from the parking lot of the Hilo Benioff Medical Center on October 17, 2024.
On October 19, 2024, Villasista was arrested after officers located him nearby the scene of a traffic accident involving the same Toyota Tacoma in the area of 37th Avenue and Pohaku Drive. Villasista made his initial appearance in Hilo District Court on Monday afternoon. His bail was maintained at $70,000.00 and he was ordered to appear for a preliminary hearing on
October 23, 2024.
As the Complaint alleges, Villasista was charged with Theft in the First Degree (theft of a motor vehicle, a Toyota truck) and Unauthorized Control of a Propelled Vehicle in the First Degree. The more serious offense, Theft in the First Degree, is a class B felony offense which carries a maximum penalty of a ten-year prison term. If convicted as charged, Prosecutors have provided notice that Villasista is subject to a mandatory prison term and will not be eligible for probation.
The charges are merely allegations, and the Defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
The case was initiated by Officer Lawrence Kobayashi, South Hilo Patrol. The felony investigation was led by Officers Shaneil Azevedo and Chase Rasse, Puna Patrol, Hawai‘i Police Department. The case is being prosecuted by Deputy Prosecuting Attorney Heipua Ah Loy.
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.
