A Mountain View man, 52 year-old Frank Alika Pereira, Jr., was arrested and charged with the attempted distribution of methamphetamine and possession of methamphetamine and heroin. The arrest was made after officers with the Area I Vice Section executed a residential narcotics search warrant upon a Hopue Road home on October 13, 2022.
Pereira made his initial appearance in Hilo District Court on Monday afternoon. The Court maintained his bail at $105,000.00.
Prosecuting Attorney Kelden Waltjen announced that as the Complaint alleges, Pereira, who has prior felony convictions for Attempted Promoting a Dangerous Drug in the Second Degree and Theft in the Second Degree, was charged with six (6) offenses including Attempted Promoting a Dangerous Drug in the First Degree (prepared and/or packaged and/or contained and/or possessed methamphetamine in zip packet(s) with the intent to distribute over one-eighth ounce of methamphetamine in zip packet(s)), Promoting a Dangerous Drug in the Third Degree (possess any amount of heroin), two counts of Promoting a Dangerous Drug in the Third Degree (possess any amount of methamphetamine), and Prohibited Acts Related to Drug Paraphernalia. If convicted as charged, Pereira faces sentencing to a mandatory prison term and will not be eligible for probation.
Attempted Promoting a Dangerous Drug in the First Degree is a class A felony offense which carries a maximum penalty of twenty (20) years in prison.
The investigation was handled by members of the Area I Vice Section, Hawai‘i Police Department. The case is being prosecuted by Deputy Prosecuting Attorney Elyssa Correia Keltner.
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.