Prosecuting Attorney Kelden Waltjen announced that a Puna man, 34-year-old Leonard Defan, was charged with felony abuse, terroristic threatening, and unlawful imprisonment related to an incident that occurred on September 30th involving his spouse and four minor children.
As the Complaint alleges, Defan was charged with four (4) offenses including Felony Abuse of Family or Household Member (bodily injury by impeding the normal breathing or circulation of blood), Felony Abuse of Family or Household Member (abuse occurring in the presence of a minor 14 years of age or younger), Terroristic Threatening in the First Degree (with the use of a dangerous instrument, a knife), and Unlawful Imprisonment in the First Degree (restraining another person under circumstances that expose that person to the risk of serious bodily injury). Each of the offenses is a class C felony offense, which carries a maximum penalty of five (5) years in prison.
Defan, who remains in custody in lieu of $40,000.00 bail will make his initial appearance today in Hilo District Court.
The lead investigator was Officer Derek Toloumu, Puna Patrol, Hawai‘i Police Department. The case is being prosecuted by Deputy Prosecuting Attorney Suzanna Tiapula.
The charges are merely allegations, and the Defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic violence, please go to a safe place and call a trusted friend or relative for support. If you choose, you can call 911 to report the abuse to the police. The Child and Family Service 24-Hour Abuse Hotline have advocates available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to provide support and advocacy and can be reached at (808) 322-7233 in West Hawai’i and (808) 959-8864 in East Hawai’i.
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 in East Hawai‘i or (808) 329-8181 in West Hawai‘i.