Prosecuting Attorney Kelden Waltjen confirmed that Gross, who has ten (10) prior felony convictions, was charged with firearms and drug-related offenses.
As the Complaint alleges, Gross was charged with fourteen (14) counts of Ownership or Possession Prohibited, related to various firearms, two (2) counts of Ownership or Possession Prohibited of Ammunition, Possession of a Firearm with Intent to Facilitate the Commission of a Felony Drug Offense, Promoting a Dangerous Drug in the Third Degree (methamphetamine), Attempted Commercial Promotion of Marijuana in the First Degree, related to the attempted distribution of over five (5) pounds of marijuana or more, and three (3) counts of Commercial Promotion of Marijuana in the First Degree, related to possession of over twenty-five (25) pounds of marijuana and possessing over a hundred marijuana plants in two separate locations.
In addition to the substantial amount of dried marijuana, the marijuana plants, rifles, and ammunition, police also recovered a semi-automatic handgun, a methamphetamine smoking pipe, and various drug paraphernalia during the search of the residence.
Gross made his initial appearance on the charges this afternoon in Hilo District Court.
Judge Jeffrey Hawk denied defense counsel’s request for supervised release and ordered Gross to appear for a preliminary hearing on August 4th at 2:00 p.m. in Hilo District Court. Gross remains in custody in lieu of $660,000.00 bail.
The investigation was handled by 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 firearms and 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 in East Hawai‘i or (808) 329-8181 in West Hawai‘i.