24 year-old Isabella Gonzales of Waimea was charged with  robbery and terroristic threatening in relation to an August 1 shoplifting incident at Malama Market in Pāhoa that involved the use of a simulated firearm.

As the Complaint alleges, Gonzales was charged with Robbery in the First Degree (in the
course of committing theft was armed with a dangerous instrument or a simulated firearm, and
threatened imminent use of force against another person with intent to compel acquiescence to the
taking of or escaping with the property) and Terroristic Threatening in the First Degree (with the use
of a dangerous instrument and/or a simulated firearm).

The most serious offense, Robbery in the First Degree, is a class A felony offense which carries a penalty of 20 years in prison.

The investigation was initiated by Officer Onan Masaoka, Puna Patrol, and felony
investigation was handled by Detective Clarence Davies, Area I Criminal Investigation Section,
Hawai‘i Police Department.  The case is being prosecuted by Deputy Prosecuting Attorney Ha‘aheo
Kaho‘ohalahala.

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

In a press release Hawaiʻi County Prosecuting Attorney Kelden Waltjen said,  “This is the second shoplifting robbery incident in East Hawai‘i in the last week.  Our Office will continue to work with Hawai‘i Police Department to address these threats and hold offenders accountable.”

 

HPD Photo