Prosecuting Attorney Kelden Waltjen announced that 42 year-old Kyle Yamada and 37 year-old Joleen Sarmiento of Hilo were charged in relation to a string of domestic incidents which occurred between September and October 2021.

Yamada, was charged with ten offenses including six counts of Felony Abuse of a Family or Household Member (abuse in the presence of a minor under the age of 14), Assault in the Second Degree (cause bodily injury to a minor, with a dangerous instrument, a belt), Attempted Assault in the Second Degree (forced a minor to not move for hours on multiple days, which is a substantial step in course of committing Assault in the Second Degree), Unlawful Imprisonment in the First Degree (knowingly restrained a minor, under circumstances that exposed the minor to risk of serious bodily injury), and misdemeanor Abuse of a Family or Household Me

Joleen Sarmiento was charged with a single count each of Felony Abuse of a Family or Household Member (abuse in the presence of a minor under the age of 14) and Accomplice to Felony Abuse of a Family or Household Member.

Judge Henry Nakamoto denied Yamada’s request for supervised release and maintained his bail at $62,000.00. Sarmiento was released after posting $10,000.00 bond. Yamada and Sarmiento were ordered to appear on February 8th for Further Proceedings.

The investigation was handled by Detective Corinna McLellan, Area I Juvenile Aid Section, and Officer Joshua Gouveia, South Hilo Patrol, Hawai‘i Police Department. The case is being prosecuted by Deputy Prosecuting Attorney Suzanna Tiapula. The charges are merely allegations, and the Defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.

 

Photos courtesy of HPD and Associated Press