Prosecuting Attorney Kelden Waltjen announced that two men, 41 year-old Kellen Tolentino and 38 year-old Joshua Reding-Kellogg, both of Honokaa, were arrested and charged in relation to the theft of over seventy-five pounds of oranges from a Kalopa farm which occurred on September 2, 2023.

Tolentino’s and Reding-Kellogg’s bail was each set at $2,250.00. The men made their initial appearances on Tuesday afternoon in Hilo District Court. Both were later released on supervised release over Prosecutors’ objections and ordered to return for preliminary hearings on September 19, 2023 in South Kohala District Court.

As the Complaints allege, Tolentino and Reding-Kellogg were each charged with Theft in the Second Degree (obtained or exerted unauthorized control over the property of another, oranges, the value of which exceeded $100, but did not exceed $20,000, and the weight exceeded twenty-five pounds) and Criminal Trespass in the Second Degree. The more serious offense, Theft in the Second Degree, is a class C felony offense which carries a penalty of either a five-year prison term or four years probation and up to twelve months in jail.

The charges are merely allegations and the Defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.

The case was led by Officer Dion Santiago, Hamakua Patrol, Hawai‘i Police Department. The case is being prosecuted by Deputy Prosecuting Attorney Georgia Berrenberg.

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.