A Puna man, 24 year-old Jonah Drummondo-Rodrigues, was arrested and charged with three separate car thefts and a burglary alleged to have taken place in November and December 2022. Drummondo-Rodrigues is alleged to have stolen a Chevrolet truck between November 16th and 18th, burglarized a Mountain View home on November 18th, stolen a Dodge pickup on December 2nd, and stolen a race car and car trailer on December 23rd.

Prosecuting Attorney Kelden Waltjen announced that as the Complaint alleges, Drummondo-Rodrigues, was charged with three counts of Theft in the First Degree (exert unauthorized control over another person’s Dodge pickup, Chevy pickup, and a race car, with intent to deprive the owner of their property), two counts of Unauthorized Control of a Propelled Vehicle in the First Degree (exert unauthorized control over another person’s vehicle without their consent), Burglary in the First Degree, Theft in the Second Degree, and Arson in the Fourth Degree. The most serious offenses, Theft in the First Degree and Burglary in the First Degree, are both class B felony offenses which are punishable by either ten years in prison or four years probation and up to eighteen months in jail.

Drummondo-Rodrigues remains in custody in lieu of $56,000.00 bail pending his initial appearance in Hilo District Court on Monday afternoon.

The cases were initiated by South Hilo and Puna Patrol, and the arrest was made by Officer Kris Palea, South Hilo Patrol. The felony investigation was handled by Officer Daniel Tam and members of the Special Enforcement Unit, Area I Criminal Investigation Section, Hawai‘i Police Department. The case is being prosecuted by Deputy Prosecuting Attorney Kevin Soong.

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

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.