Prosecuting Attorney Kelden Waltjen announced that a man, 25 year-old Marty Pangelinan was charged in relation to separate Kona robberies that occurred on February 26, 2023 at two different business establishments along the Kuakini Highway in Kona. According to police reports, Pangelinan is alleged to have used a baseball bat.
Pangelinan made his initial appearance on Wednesday morning in Kona District Court. His bail was maintained at $100,000.00 and he was ordered to appear for a preliminary hearing on March 1, 2024.
As the Complaint alleges, Pangelinan was charged with two counts of Robbery the First Degree (in the course of committing theft is armed with a dangerous instrument, a baseball bat, and uses force or threatens the use of force with the intent to take property) and a single count of Criminal Property Damage in the Fourth Degree. Robbery in the First Degree is a class A felony offense and carries a penalty of a twenty-year prison term.
The charges are merely allegations, and the Defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
The case was initiated by Officer Vincent Sanekane, Kona Patrol and the felony investigation was handled by Detective Donovan Kohara, Area II Criminal Investigation Section, Hawai‘i Police Department. The case is being prosecuted by Deputy Prosecuting Attorney Chase Murray.
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.