Prosecuting Attorney Kelden Waltjen announced that a Puna man, 36 year-old Albert Kumia Jr., was sentenced to concurrent prison terms in Hilo Circuit Court for Unauthorized Control of a Propelled Vehicle in the First Degree as well as a number of other property and drug offenses on Tuesday. At the time of the commission of the Unauthorized Control of a Propelled Vehicle in the First Degree offense, Kumia was on probation for felony property and drug crimes.

On September 7, 2022, Kumia entered a “Guilty” plea to the offense of Unauthorized Control of a Propelled Vehicle in the First Degree in relation to a Honda CRV that was originally reported stolen on May 7, 2022 from HPM Building Supply’s parking lot in Hilo.

The investigation was handled by the Special Enforcement Unit, Area I Criminal Investigation Section, Hawai‘i Police Department. The cases were prosecuted by Deputy Prosecuting Attorney Elyssa Correia Keltner.

“Our Office believed that a 15 year prison term was justified based on the facts and circumstances of this case,” said Prosecuting Attorney Kelden Waltjen. “We will continue to seek appropriate sentences for felony property offenders and those who repeatedly victimize our community.”

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.