Hawai‘i Island police have arrested and charged 30-year-old Keoni Brian Paulino of Hilo with various offenses after investigating a reported mail theft in November 2023.
The charges stem from a report of mail stolen from a mailbox, including the victim’s checks. Paulino was identified depositing one of the victim’s stolen checks written out for $3,500 and forged with the victim’s signature.
On Thursday afternoon, February 8, 2024, Hilo patrol officers arrested Paulino on Maka‘ala Street in Hilo.
On Thursday, February 9, after conferring with the County Prosecutor’s Office, Paulino was charged with the following offenses:
- Second-degree theft
- Second-degree identity theft
- Unauthorized possession of personal confidential information
- Third-degree forgery
Paulino’s bail was set at $10,000.
The Hawai‘i Police Department recommends residents install locked mailboxes at their residence in order to help deter theft of incoming mail; as well as dropping off outgoing mail at a secure United States Postal Service drop box, or post office.