This morning Prosecuting Attorney Kelden Waltjen announced that two Puna men, 25-year-old Travis Demello-Oda and 29-year-old Devin Saragosa-Taoy, were charged over the past weekend. Today both men are made their initial appearances in Hilo District Court.
As the Complaint alleges, Demello-Oda was charged with ten (10) offenses including two counts of Robbery in the First Degree, two counts of Unauthorized Control of a Propelled Vehicle, three counts of Assault in the Third Degree, Theft in the Second Degree, Theft in the Third Degree, and Unauthorized Possession of Confidential Personal Information. Demello-Oda bail was set in lieu of $30,000.00.
As the Complaint alleges, Saragosa-Taoy, a repeat offender with six prior felony convictions, was charged with Unauthorized Control of a Propelled Vehicle and Habitual Property Crime, both class C felony offenses, punishable by a maximum penalty of five (5) years in prison. If convicted as charged, Saragosa-Taoy faces being sentenced to a mandatory prison term based on his prior felony convictions. Saragosa-Taoy Bail was set in custody in lieu of $20,000.00.
Today in Court Demello-Odaʻs Public Defender Jonas Krave made an oral motion to withdraw as counsel due to conflict. There was no objection by State, and so Judge Jeffery Hawk Granted the motion. Krave then made another oral motion for Supervised Release or bail reduction. Deputy Prosecuting Attorney Andrew Son standing in for Kimberly Angay objection to the motion and Judge Jeffry Hawk Denied the defense’s request. Bail was maintained at $30,000.00. Demello-Odaʻs next court date is on July 28, 2021 at 2:30 pm.
Also today Devin Saragosa-Taoy stood before the Judge Jeffry Hawk on related charges. Public Defender Jonas Krave started with an oral motion for release on his own recognizance or bail reduction. Deputy Prosecuting Attorney Andrew Son standing in for Kimberly Angay objection to the motion. Judge Jeffery Hawk overruled and granted the defense’s motion with Supervised Release. Devin Saragosa-Taoy next court date is August 09, 2021, at 3:00 pm.
The investigation is being handled by Detectives Clarence Davies and John Balberde, Hawai‘i Police Department Area I Criminal Investigation Section, along with assistance from HPD Area I Criminal Investigation and Puna Patrol Divisions, and State of Hawai’i Division of Conservation and Resources Enforcement officers. The case is being prosecuted by Deputy Prosecuting Attorney Kimberly Angay.
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.
