Prosecuting Attorney Kelden Waltjen announced that a Pepe‘ekeo man, 31 year-old Kolten Quevedo, was arrested and charged with the attempted distribution of methamphetamine and possession of methamphetamine and heroin. The arrest was made after officers with the Area I Vice Section executed a narcotics search warrant upon a Honda Civic that was being operated by Quevedo on August 24, 2022.

Quevedo made his initial appearance in Hilo District Court on Friday afternoon. The Court maintained his bail at $45,000.00 and ordered that he appear for his preliminary hearing on August 30, 2022 in Hilo District Court.

As the Complaint alleges, Quevedo, who has prior felony convictions for Attempted Theft in the First Degree and Unauthorized Control of a Propelled Vehicle, was charged with four (4) offenses including Attempted Promoting a Dangerous Drug in the Second Degree (prepared and/or packaged and/or contained and/or possessed methamphetamine in zip packets with the intent to distribute the methamphetamine in zip packets), Promoting a Dangerous Drug in the Third Degree (possess any amount of heroin), Promoting a Dangerous Drug in the Third Degree (possess any amount of methamphetamine), and Prohibited Acts Related to Drug Paraphernalia. If convicted as charged, Quevedo faces sentencing to a mandatory prison term and will not be eligible for probation. Review of Court minutes indicate that Quevedo is currently on felony supervision with Big Island Drug Court for two unrelated felony matters.

Attempted Promoting a Dangerous Drug in the Second Degree is a class B felony offense which carries a maximum penalty of ten (10) years in prison.

The investigation was handled by members of the Area I Vice Section, Hawai‘i Police Department. The case is being prosecuted by Deputy Prosecuting Attorney Lucas Burns.

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 concerning illegal narcotics distribution should call the Hawai‘i Police Department Vice Section in East Hawai‘i at (808) 961-2258 or in West Hawai‘i at (808) 326-4646 Ext. 226, or Crime Stoppers at (808) 961-8300.