Today, Prosecuting Attorney Kelden Waltjen announced that 19-year-old Kauka Kaimana Kalei Hunekai Santiago of Pahoa was charged with unauthorized control of a propelled vehicle for operating a Lexus without the owner’s consent. Bail was set at $10,000.00.

As the Complaint alleges, Santiago was charged with two counts of Unauthorized Control of Propelled Vehicle in the First Degree, a class C felony offense, carrying a maximum penalty of five (5) years in prison. A review of court records indicates that at the time of the alleged offenses, Santiago was on supervised release pending trial for two unrelated felony matters and also pending sentencing for another felony case. Santiago is scheduled to appear for an initial appearance on the charges on Wednesday afternoon in Hilo District Court. Santiago remains in custody in lieu of $10,000.00 bail.

The investigation was handled by Officers Chance Lunsford and Craig Derasin, Hawai‘i Police Department, Puna Patrol. The case is being prosecuted by Deputy Prosecuting Attorney R. Winston Albright.

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.