Prosecuting Attorney Kelden Waltjen announced that a Volcano woman, 26 year-old Bailee Powers, was arrested and charged in relation to the theft of a Honda Civic that was originally reported stolen on September 7, 2023 from the parking area along the shoulder of the intersection of Komohana Street and Puainako extension in Hilo.

Powers is scheduled to make her initial appearance on Wednesday afternoon in Hilo District Court. She remains in custody in lieu of $35,000.00 bail.

As the Complaint alleges, Powers was charged with Theft in the First Degree (obtained or exerted unauthorized control over another person’s motor vehicle, a Honda automobile) and Unauthorized Control of a Propelled Vehicle in the First Degree. The more serious offense, Theft in the First Degree, is a class B felony offense which carries a penalty of either a ten-year prison term or four years probation and up to eighteen months in jail.

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

The theft case was initiated by Officer Danton Zimmerman, South Hilo Patrol. The arrest was made by Officer Devin Ah Chong, Puna Patrol, and 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.