Prosecuting Attorney Kelden Waltjen announced that a Papaikou woman, 46 year-old Kelli-Rae Souza was arrested and charged with offenses related to the unauthorized use of an elderly Honoka‘a man’s credit cards. Police reports allege that between June 13, 2023 and September 14, 2023 Souza conducted numerous unauthorized transactions with a total of over $4,000.
Souza is scheduled to make her initial appearance in Hamakua District Court on January 23, 2024. Following her arrest, Souza was released from custody after posting $18,500.00 bail.
As the Complaint alleges, Souza was charged with ten offenses including Theft in the First Degree (exert unauthorized control over the property of another, who is over the age of sixty, and the value of that property exceeded $750), Theft in the Second Degree (exert unauthorized control over the property of another, who is over the age of sixty, and the value of that property exceeded $250), Identity Theft in the First Degree, Identity Theft in the Second Degree, two counts of Unauthorized Possession of Confidential Personal Information, and four counts of Fraudulent Use of a Credit Card.
Identity Theft in the First Degree is a class A felony punishable by a twenty-year prison term. Theft in the First Degree is a class B felony offense punishable by either a ten-year prison term 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 Officer Kimo Veincent, Hamakua/North Hilo Patrol. The felony investigation was led by Detective Amy Omaya, Area I Criminal Investigation Section, Hawai‘i Police Department. The case is being prosecuted by Deputy Prosecuting Attorney Heipua Ah Loy.
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.