Prosecuting Attorney Kelden Waltjen announced that property crime offender, 29 year-old Arnold “BJ” Fernandez of Puna, will serve eight (8) years in prison, out of his ten (10) year term, before being eligible for parole.

Earlier this year, Fernandez, who has felony convictions for Unauthorized Control of a Propelled Vehicle, Burglary in the First Degree, Burglary in the Second Degree, Unauthorized Possession of Confidential or Personal Information, Theft in the Second Degree, and Terroristic Threatening in the First Degree, was sentenced by Judge Henry Nakamoto to serve a ten (10) year prison term for his crimes.

The Hawai’i Paroling Authority recently set Fernandez’ minimum term at eight (8) years for his class “B” felony conviction and four (4) years for all class “C” felony convictions. A class “B” felony carries a maximum ten (10) year penalty, while a class “C” felony carries a maximum five (5) year penalty.

“We hope that this serves as a message that Hawai’i Island law enforcement is taking property crimes seriously and that we will continue to aggressively prosecute property offenders,” said Prosecuting Attorney Kelden Waltjen, who handled the prosecution of these matters. The investigation was handled by members of the Area I Criminal Investigation Section and Special Enforcement Unit.

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.

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