Prosecuting Attorney Kelden Waltjen announced that a Kurtistown man, 44-year-old Sony Raymond, who is pending charges for Sexual Assault in the Second Degree was released over Prosecutor’s objections on Tuesday, September 28th by Hilo Circuit Court Judge Henry Nakamoto.

Prosecutors intend to file a motion requesting reconsideration of the Court’s order granting defense counsel’s request for supervised release. Raymond had been in custody on $25,000.00 bail since his arrest on June 5th.

As the Indictment alleges, Raymond was charged with a single count of Sexual Assault in the Second Degree, which is defined as knowingly subjecting another person to an act of sexual penetration by compulsion, for a June 5th incident that occurred at a Hilo residence. Sexual Assault in the Second Degree is a class B felony offense punishable by a maximum penalty of ten (10) years in prison.

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

The case is being prosecuted by Deputy Prosecuting Attorney Ha‘aheo Kaho‘ohalahala, Supervisor of the Sexual Assault Unit.

If you or someone you know has experienced sexual assault, please go to a safe place, and call a trusted friend or relative for support. You can call 911 to report the sexual assault to the police. The YWCA Hawai’i Island 24-Hour Sexual Assault Crisis Hotline has advocates available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to provide support and advocacy. They can be reached at (808) 935-0677.

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.#hawaiiprosecutors