Prosecuting Attorney Kelden Waltjen announced that a Kona man, 29 year-old Christopher Estoy, was charged with kidnapping, custodial interference, unlawful imprisonment, and terroristic threatening in relation to an August 24, 2022 incident involving a minor at Honaunau Elementary School and a separate burglary which occurred at the Dolphin Bay Hotel in Hilo on August 8, 2022. At the time of his arrest for these incidents, he was also arrested for an outstanding Circuit Court bench warrant.
When Kona patrol officers responded to the reported incident at the school, they determined that 29-year-old Christopher Estoy, of Kailua-Kona, had entered the school campus and followed a student into a student restroom. Estoy, who was in possession of a weapon, closed the restroom door, restricting the juvenile from exiting the restroom. Shortly after, an adult who was in the immediate area heard a commotion and was able to open the restroom door at which time the juvenile was able to escape.
As the Complaints allege, Estoy, who has a prior felony Kidnapping conviction, was charged with Kidnapping, Custodial Interference in the First Degree (took, enticed, concealed, or detained a minor less than eleven years old, from the minor’s lawful custodian, knowing that he had no right to do so), Unlawful Imprisonment in the Second Degree (knowingly restrained another person), Terroristic Threatening in the First Degree (with use of a dangerous instrument, a knife), and Burglary in the First Degree. The most serious offense, Kidnapping, is a class A felony, punishable by a twenty (20) year prison term. If convicted as charged of the Kidnapping, Terroristic Threatening, or Burglary offenses, Estoy faces sentencing to a mandatory prison term and will not be eligible for probation.
Estoy is scheduled to make his initial appearance on Monday morning in Kona District Court. Estoy remains in custody in lieu of $125,000.00 total bail on all matters.
The kidnapping investigation was initiated by Kona Patrol, the burglary investigation was initiated by South Hilo Patrol, and the felony investigation was handled by Detective Kevin Brodie, Area II Juvenile Aid Section, Hawai‘i Police Department. The case is being prosecuted by Deputy Prosecuting Attorney Kate Perazich.
The charges are merely allegations, and the Defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.