Today, Prosecuting Attorney Kelden Waltjen announced that a Mountain View woman, 34-year-old Maria Coyaso, was charged for an assault on a police officer and quarantine violations for separate incidents that occurred on August 12th.

As the Complaints allege, Coyaso was charged with Assault in the First Degree (intentionally or knowingly cause serious bodily injury) and Assault Against a Law Enforcement in the First Degree, and Mandatory Quarantine and/or Social Distancing.

A review of court records indicates that at the time of her arrest, Coyaso was released by Judge Jeffrey Hawk on supervised release over the States objection for pending felony charges for two unrelated matters.

Assault in the First Degree is a class B felony offense, which carries a maximum penalty of ten (10) years in prison. Assault Against a Law Enforcement in the First Degree is a class C felony offense, which carries a maximum penalty of five (5) years in prison.

Coyaso is scheduled to make her initial appearance today in Hilo District Court. She remains in custody in lieu of $15,500.00 bail.

The investigation was handled by Officers Lauren Pacheco and Christian Schaber, South Hilo Patrol, Hawai‘i Police Department. The case is being prosecuted by Deputy Prosecuting Attorney Christopher Rothfus.

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 in East Hawai‘i or (808) 329-8181 in West Hawai‘i.