Prosecuting Attorney Kelden Waltjen announced that a Mountain View man, 42-year-old Jairus Munoz was charged in relation to a November 24th incident after officers arrested him within the parking lot of a Hilo gas station.
As the Complaint alleges, Munoz was charged with Unauthorized Control of a Propelled Vehicle in the First Degree (operating a Honda Civic and/or changing its identity without the owner’s consent) and Theft in the Fourth Degree (theft of license plates).
A review of court records indicates that at the time of the alleged offenses, Munoz was on court-ordered supervision for another unrelated felony matter.
Munoz made his initial appearance today in Hilo District Court. Judge M. Kanani Laubach denied Munoz’ request for release on his own recognizance, maintained his bail at $11,000.00, and ordered him to appear for his preliminary hearing on November 30th at 2 pm in Hilo District Court.
The investigation was handled by Officer Jared Cabatu and Sgt. Jeremy Riddle, Area I Traffic Enforcement Unit, and Officer Bryson Pilor, South Hilo Patrol, Hawai‘i Police Department. The case is being prosecuted by Deputy Prosecuting Attorney Heipua Ah Loy.
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 to assist local law enforcement should call Crime Stoppers at (808) 961-8300.