Prosecutors Office Charges Pahoa Man John “Bozo” Rapozo With Eleven Offenses

Thunda

4 years ago

Today, Prosecuting Attorney Kelden Waltjen announced that 47 year-old John Rapozo, also known as, Bozo Rapozo of Pahoa, was charged with eleven offenses including two counts of Attempted Promoting a Dangerous Drug in the First Degree, two counts of Promoting a Dangerous Drug in the Second Degree, three counts of Promoting a Dangerous Drug in the Third Degree, Ownership or Possession of Ammunition Prohibited, Prohibited Acts Related to Drug Paraphernalia, Unauthorized Entry Into a Motor Vehicle in the First Degree, and Felony Abuse of Family or Household Member. Rapozo has been identified by the Office of the Prosecuting Attorney as a career criminal with 38 prior felony convictions.

On March 27, 2021, Rapozo entered his girlfriend’s vehicle without her permission and struck her in front of their one year-old daughter, who was also seated within the same vehicle. On March 29, 2021, Hawai‘i County Police arrested Rapozo at a residence located at 399 Lama Street in Hilo. Vice officers recovered and later searched vehicles, believed to be operated by Rapozo, from the property. Officers recovered 7 grams of heroin, over 5 grams of methamphetamine, in both crystal and liquid form, 9 mm ammunition, over fifty empty and unused Ziploc type packets with distinct markings, and nearly $3,000.00 in US currency.

Rapozo remains in custody in lieu of $215,000.00 bail. He is scheduled to appear for his preliminary hearings on April 5, 2021 and April 6, 2021 in Hilo District Court. The case is being prosecuted by Deputy Prosecuting Attorney Elyssa Correia Keltner.

The charges are merely allegations, and the Defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.

“Our office is committed to bringing those individuals to justice who commit acts of domestic violence or seek to profit financially by the exploitation and poisoning of our community through the distribution of dangerous narcotics such as methamphetamine and heroin,” said Prosecuting Attorney Waltjen.

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 County Police Department Vice Unit 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 in East Hawai‘i or (808) 329-8181 in West Hawai‘i.