Prosecuting Attorney Kelden Waltjen announced that 47 year-old Lawrence Castro of Puna was charged for possession and attempted distribution of meth in relation to a May 6th incident in Puna.

As the Complaint alleges, Castro, a repeat offender with 3 prior felony convictions, was charged with 5 offenses including Attempted Promoting a Dangerous Drug in the First Degree (attempted distribution of over an eighth of an ounce of methamphetamine), Promoting a Dangerous Drug in the Second Degree (possession of over an eighth of an ounce of methamphetamine), 2 counts of Promoting a Dangerous Drug in the Third Degree (possession of any amount of methamphetamine), and Prohibited Acts Related to Drug Paraphernalia.

If convicted as charged, Castro faces sentencing to a mandatory minimum prison term without the possibility of parole. At the time of his arrest, Castro was on supervised release for 2 unrelated felony matters in Hilo Circuit Court.

The case was initiated by Officer Spencer Thomas, Puna Patrol, and the felony narcotics investigation was handled by the Area I Vice Section, Hawai‘i Police Department. The case is being prosecuted by Deputy Prosecuting Attorney Elyssa Correia Keltner.

The charges are merely allegations, and the Defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.

Photo credit: Hawaiʻi County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office