Prosecuting Attorney Kelden Waltjen announced that a Hilo man, 64-year-old, Paul K.K. Caitano, was indicted with offenses related to the sexual assault of a minor for incidents that occurred between 2014 and 2018.
As the Indictment alleges, Caitano is charged with 23 counts, including eight counts of Sexual Assault in the First Degree, two counts of Continuous Sexual Assault of Minor Under the Age of Fourteen, twelve counts of Sexual Assault in the Third Degree, and a single count of Attempted Sexual Assault in the Third Degree. The dates of these offenses range between February 2014 and February 2018. The most serious offenses, Sexual Assault in the First Degree, are all class A felony offenses and carry a maximum penalty of twenty (20) years in prison.
Caitano made his initial appearance on Wednesday afternoon in Hilo Circuit Court. The Prosecutor’s request for bail increase to $630,000.00 was denied and the Court maintained Caitano’s bail at $500,000.00. Caitano was released from custody after posting $500,000.00 bail.
The Court ordered Caitano to appear for his jury trial on September 19, 2022. As part of the special terms and conditions of his release on bail, Caitano was ordered to stay away and not contact the minor complainant and anyone residing at the minor’s residence. He was also ordered to not contact any minor child, not reside in any residence with a minor, and stay away from schools, playgrounds, parks, theaters, or any place where unsupervised minors congregate.
The investigation was handled by Detective Gavin Kagimoto, Area I Juvenile Aid Section, and Lieutenant BJ Sagon, Kona Patrol, formerly of Area I Juvenile Aid Section, Hawai‘i Police Department. The case is being prosecuted by Deputy Prosecuting Attorney Sylvia Wan.
The charges are merely allegations, and the Defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
If you or someone you know has experienced sexual assault, please go to a safe place, and call a trusted friend or relative for support. You can call 911 to report the sexual assault to the police. The YWCA Hawai‘i Island 24-Hour Sexual Assault Crisis Hotline has advocates available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to provide support and advocacy. They can be reached at (808) 935-0677.
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.
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