Prosecuting Attorney Kelden Waltjen announced that a Puna man, 46 year-old Guy Lawrence Harper, was arrested and charged with attempted distribution of fentanyl and attempted possession of fentanyl and phencyclidine/phenylcyclohexyl piperidine, also known as PCP, in relation to receiving a postal parcel at the Kea‘au Post Office.
Harper is scheduled to make his initial appearance in Hilo District Court on Monday afternoon. He remains in custody in lieu of $85,000.00 bail.
As the Complaint alleges, Harper was charged with Attempted Promoting a Dangerous Drug in the First Degree (distribute three-eighths ounce or more of fentanyl), Attempted Promoting a Dangerous Drug in the Second Degree (possess one-fourth ounce or more of fentanyl), and Attempted Promoting a Dangerous Drug in the Third Degree (possess any amount of phencyclidine/phenylcyclohexyl piperidine/PCP).
The most serious offense, Attempted Promoting a Dangerous Drug in the First Degree is a class A felony offense punishable by either a twenty-year prison term or ten-year probation and up to two years in jail.
The charges are merely allegations, and the Defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
The investigation was a collaboration between members of the Hawai‘i Police Department’s Area I Vice Section, Homeland Security Investigations, and U.S. Postal Inspection Services. The case is being prosecuted by Deputy Prosecuting Attorney Elyssa Correia Keltner.
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) 934-8423, West Hawai‘i at (808) 329-0423, or Crime Stoppers at (808) 961-8300.
