Prosecuting Attorney Kelden Waltjen announced that 25 year-old Sateki Nisa of Puna was charged in relation to the theft of a Toyota Prius from Kehena Beach Park on December 2.

As the Complaint alleges, Nisa was charged with Theft in the Second Degree (theft of property valued greater than $750, a Toyota Prius) and Unauthorized Control of a Propelled Vehicle in the First Degree (unauthorized control of a Toyota Prius without the owner’s consent). Review of court records indicate that at the time of the alleged offenses, Nisa was pending revocation of an unrelated probation matter, two outstanding District Court nonappearance offenses, and a traffic matter. Nisa remains in custody in lieu of $20,000.00 bail pending his initial appearance today in Hilo District Court.

The investigation was handled by Officer Paul Rose, Puna Patrol, Officer Michael Sailer, Special Enforcement Unit, and Detective John Balberde, Area I Criminal Investigation Section, Hawai‘i Police Department. The case is being prosecuted by Deputy Prosecuting Attorney Kevin Soong. The charges are merely allegations, and the Defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.

Photo credit: Hawaiʻi County Office of the Prosecuting Attorney