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Prosecuting Attorney Kelden Waltjen announced that the U.S. Attorney’s Office, District of Hawai‘i, has adopted the prosecution of 47 year-old Michael Kaonohi Perry of Kona, who was previously charged by Hawai‘i County Prosecutors following his January 5th arrest for possession and the attempted distribution of over three (3) pounds of methamphetamine and fentanyl pills, being a felon in possession of a loaded handgun, possession of hydrocodone, and counterfeit U.S. currency offenses.
Prosecuting Attorney Kelden Waltjen announced that the U.S. Attorney’s Office, District of Hawai‘i, has adopted the prosecution of 47 year-old Michael Kaonohi Perry of Kona, who was previously charged by Hawai‘i County Prosecutors following his January 5th arrest for possession and the attempted distribution of over three (3) pounds of methamphetamine and fentanyl pills, being a felon in possession of a loaded handgun, possession of hydrocodone, and counterfeit U.S. currency offenses.As the Federal Indictment alleges, Perry, who has two prior Hawai‘i State felony convictions, was charged with Possession with Intent to Distribute Methamphetamine (possession with intent to distribute fifty grams or more of methamphetamine), Possession with Intent to Distribute Fentanyl (possession with intent to distribute a quantity of fentanyl), and Possession of a Firearm in Furtherance of a Drug Trafficking Crime (possess a loaded Springfield Model XD, 9mm handgun and 100 rounds of 9mm ammunition in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime).
On February 14, 2022, U.S. District Court Magistrate Judge Wes Reber Porter ordered that Perry be detained without bail pending his jury trial, which is now scheduled for April 11, 2022.
This case was initiated by Sgt. Erich Jackson and Officer CC Melendez, South Kohala Patrol. The follow up investigation was handled by Officer Adam Cho, Area II Vice Section, Hawai‘i Police Department. The federal investigation is being handled by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security Investigations. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Thomas Muehleck.
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 concerning illegal narcotics distribution should call the Hawai‘i Police Department Vice Section in East Hawai‘i at (808) 961-2258 or in West Hawai‘i at (808) 326-4646 Ext. 226, or Crime Stoppers at (808) 961-8300.
