Prosecuting Attorney Kelden Waltjen announced that 35 year old Jessie Gamilo of Kurtistown was charged in relation to the theft and unauthorized use of a Toyota Tacoma, that was originally reported stolen on August 5 from a residence in Hawaiian Paradise Park.

These charges mark the arrest and charge of the 7th person, in the last 10 days, with auto theft related offenses.

As the Complaint alleges, Gamilo was charged with Theft in the Second Degree (theft of property valued greater than $750, a Toyota Tacoma), Unauthorized Control of a Propelled Vehicle in the First Degree (unauthorized control of a Toyota Tacoma without the owner’s consent), Unauthorized Possession of Confidential or Personal Information (possession of another person’s credit card without authorization), Promoting a Dangerous Drug in the Third Degree (possession of any amount of methamphetamine), and Prohibited Acts Related to Drug Paraphernalia. At the time of Gamilo’s arrest, he was also wanted on two outstanding warrants for unrelated matters. Review of court records indicates that Gamilo was also on supervised release for another unrelated felony unauthorized control of propelled vehicle and unauthorized possession of confidential personal information case that allegedly occurred in 2019. Gamilo remains in custody in lieu of $40,000.00 bail pending his initial appearance today in Hilo District Court.

The investigation was initiated by Officer Calvin Furtado, Puna Patrol. Gamilo’s arrest and the follow up investigation was handled by Officer Christopher Fukumoto, Community Policing, and Officer Michael Sailer and Detectives John Balberde and Keith Simeona, Special Enforcement Unit, 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 Prosecuting Attorney’s Office