A Waimea couple has been charged with more than a half dozen drug offenses, as well as illegal fireworks violations on Saturday evening, December 31, 2022, following their arrest on Friday, December 30.
After a month-long investigation, Area II Vice Section investigators served a search warrant on a residence in the 64-5300 block of Puu Nanea Street in Waimea, which was occupied by 31-year-old Kendell Artuyo and his 31-year-old wife, Lexa Artuyo. Police recovered nearly 1.9 grams of fentanyl mixture, 30 Suboxone pills having a total street value of more than $2,200, and recovered more than 25 pounds of illegal aerial fireworks. They also seized more than $2,572 in US currency for forfeiture. The couple’s two minor children were taken into protective custody for their safety.
County Prosecutor’s Office on Saturday, December 31, charged Kendell Artuyo with:
- two counts of endangering the welfare of a child
- one count of promoting a dangerous drug in the third degree
- one count of promoting a dangerous drug in the second degree
- one count of promoting a harmful drug in the second degree
- one count of drug paraphernalia
- one count of fireworks prohibitions
His bail was set at $72,250.
Lexa Artuyo was charged with:
- four counts of endangering the welfare of a child
- two counts of promoting a dangerous drug in the third degree
- one count of promoting a dangerous drug in the second degree
- one count of promoting a harmful drug in the second degree
- two counts of drug paraphernalia
- one count of fireworks prohibitions
Her bail was set at $84,500.
Lexa Artuyo was released on her own recognizance due to a medical issue. Kendell Artuyo posted bail. Both parties are due in Kona District Court on February 2, 2023, at 8:30 a.m. for their preliminary hearing.