An Ocean View man, 41 year-old Ross Richard Piper, was arrested and charged with the felony theft of a Hyundai Elantra and possession of fentanyl offenses. The Hyundai was originally reported stolen on November 4, 2022 from an Ocean View business located off of Mamalahoa Highway.
Piper made his initial appearance in Kona District Court on Friday, December 2, 2022. Defense counsel’s motion for a bail reduction was granted over Prosecutors’ objection and Piper’s bail was reduced from $45,000.00 to $10,000.00.
Prosecuting Attorney Kelden Waltjen announced that as the Complaint alleges, Piper was charged with Theft in the First Degree (exerting unauthorized control over a Hyundai Elantra without the owner’s permission with intent to deprive them of their property), Unauthorized Control of a Propelled Vehicle in the First Degree (exerting unauthorized control over another’s Hyundai Elantra without their consent), and Promoting a Dangerous Drug in the Third Degree (possessing any amount of fentanyl).
The most serious offense, Theft in the First Degree, is a class B felony which is punishable by a maximum penalty of ten years in prison or four years probation and up to eighteen months in jail.
The charges are merely allegations, and the Defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
The case was initiated by Officers James Lorenzo and Xylon Takata, Kau Patrol, and the arrest was made by Officer Elijah Won, Kona Patrol. The felony investigation was handled by Detective Steven Grace, Area II Criminal Investigation Section, and Officer Chandler Nacino, Area II Vice Section, Hawai‘i Police Department. The case is being prosecuted by Deputy Prosecuting Attorney Annaliese Wolf.
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.