As the Complaint alleges, Palma, a repeat and persistent offender, with four prior felony convictions was charged with Robbery in the Second Degree. Police reports indicate that Palma struck the Complainant numerous times while she was conducting a transaction at an ATM. Palma fled the scene, was located nearby, and arrested. Officers would later recover an undisclosed amount of US currency on her person, alleged to have been taken from the Complainant during the robbery. If convicted as charged, Palma faces a mandatory ten (10) year prison term.

Palma made her initial appearance yesterday in Hilo District Court. Judge Jeffrey Hawk denied defense counsel’s request to release Palma on supervised release and maintained her $25,000.00 bail. Judge Hawk ordered Palma to appear for her preliminary hearing on June 30th at 2:00 p.m. in Hilo District Court.

The investigation was handled by Detective Wendall Carter, Area I Criminal Investigation Section, Hawai‘i Police Department. The case is being prosecuted by Deputy Prosecuting Attorney Kevin Hashizaki.

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

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.