A Puna man, 28 year-old Cyrus Kapeli-Spencer, was arrested and charged with a series of crimes which occurred between November 17, 2022 and November 28, 2022, including felony theft of a Ford Edge rental car, unauthorized entry into a Volvo, habitual property crime, and traffic offenses.
Kapeli-Spencer made his initial appearance in Hilo District Court on Thursday afternoon. Defense counsel’s motion for supervised release was denied and Kapeli-Spencer’s bail was maintained at $76,000.00.
Prosecuting Attorney Kelden Waltjen announced that as the Complaint alleges, Kapeli-Spencer, a felony repeat offender, was charged with Theft in the First Degree (exert unauthorized control over a Ford Edge without the owner’s permission with intent to deprive them of their property), Unauthorized Control of a Propelled Vehicle in the First Degree (exert unauthorized control over another’s Ford Edge without their consent), Unauthorized Entry Into a Motor Vehicle in the First Degree, Theft in the Second Degree (theft of a purse, handbag, or wallet), Resisting Order to Stop in the First Degree, Driving Without a License, and Habitual Property Crime.
The most serious offense, Theft in the First Degree, is a class B felony offense which is punishable by a maximum penalty of ten years in prison. If convicted as charged, Kapeli-Spencer faces sentencing to a mandatory prison term and will not be eligible for probation.
The charges are merely allegations, and the Defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
The resist order case was initiated by Kona Patrol. The unauthorized entry case and the arrest was made by South Hilo Patrol.
The felony investigation was led by Officer Jayce Carvalho, Special Enforcement Unit, Area I Criminal Investigation Section, Hawai‘i Police Department. The case is being prosecuted by Deputy Prosecuting Attorney Kevin Soong.
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.