Prosecuting Attorney Kelden Waltjen announced that an Oregon man, 34-year-old, Christopher Sanburn, was charged with offenses related to a sexual assault incident that occurred on June 24, 2022, at an Airbnb located on Government Beach Road in Puna.
As the Complaint alleges, Sanburn was charged with a single count each of Sexual Assault in the Second Degree and Sexual Assault in the Fourth Degree. The most serious offense, Sexual Assault in the Second Degree is a class B felony offense that is punishable by a maximum penalty of ten (10) years in prison or five (5) years probation and up to eighteen (18) months in jail.
Sanburn is scheduled to make his initial appearance on Monday afternoon in Hilo District Court. He remains in custody in lieu of $52,000.00 bail.
The investigation was handled by Detective Patrick Aurello, Area I Juvenile Aid Section, Hawai‘i Police Department. The case is being prosecuted by Deputy Prosecuting Attorney Ha‘aheo Kaho‘ohalahala.
The charges are merely allegations, and the Defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
If you or someone you know has experienced sexual assault, please go to a safe place, and call a trusted friend or relative for support. You can call 911 to report the sexual assault to the police. The YWCA Hawai‘i Island 24-Hour Sexual Assault Crisis Hotline has advocates available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to provide support and advocacy. They can be reached at (808) 935-0677.