Hilo, Hawai’i – Two Papaikou men are facing charges of agriculture theft following separate incidents at Hawai‘i Sunshine Orchards. Prosecuting Attorney Kelden Waltjen announced the charges against 35-year-old Jan Loren Aguinaldo and 49-year-old Timothy Guiteras.

According to police reports, Aguinaldo is accused of stealing 30 pounds of rambutan and cutting branches from two rambutan trees on March 5, 2025. Guiteras is charged with stealing over 190 pounds of bananas on March 8, 2025.

Both men made their initial appearances in Hilo District Court on Monday afternoon. Aguinaldo’s bail was maintained at $40,000.00, while Guiteras’ bail was set at $5,000.00. Both were ordered to appear for their preliminary hearings on March 12, 2025.

Aguinaldo is charged with Theft in the Second Degree, Habitual Property Crime, and Criminal Property Damage in the Fourth Degree. The complaint alleges he exerted unauthorized control over the rambutan crop, an agriculture commodity generally marketed for commercial purposes. Guiteras is charged with Theft in the Second Degree for allegedly stealing bananas intended for commercial sale.

Theft in the Second Degree and Habitual Property Crime are both classified as Class C felonies, carrying a penalty of either a five-year prison term or four years probation and up to twelve months in jail.

Officer Levi Comilla of the South Hilo Patrol, Hawai‘i Police Department, handled Aguinaldo’s investigation. Officer Kinaole Hernandez, also of the South Hilo Patrol, investigated Guiteras. Deputy Prosecuting Attorney Kirsten Selvig is prosecuting the cases.

“The charges are merely allegations, and the Defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty,” a statement from the Prosecuting Attorney’s office emphasized.

The Office of the Prosecuting Attorney reiterated its dedication to justice and encourages anyone with information to assist local law enforcement by calling Crime Stoppers at (808) 961-8300.