Last week, a Hilo grand jury indicted 41 year-old Wayne Emch of Hilo for three separate incidents.

Emch is charged in relation to the theft of three different Toyota Tacomas and the attempted theft of an automated teller machine (“ATM”) stemming from incidents that occurred within the Districts of South Hilo, Waimea, and North Kona between February 9 and March 2, 2023.

Emch made his initial appearance in Hilo Circuit Court on Friday afternoon. His total bail of $120,000.00 was maintained.

As the first Indictment alleges, Emch was charged with Theft in the First Degree, Unauthorized Control of a Propelled Vehicle in the First Degree, Promoting a Dangerous Drug in the Third Degree, and Prohibited Acts Related to Drug Paraphernalia. As the second Indictment alleges, Emch was charged with Theft in the First Degree, Unauthorized Control of a Propelled Vehicle in the First Degree, and Resisting Order to Stop in the First Degree. As the third Indictment alleges, Emch was charged with Unauthorized Control of a Propelled Vehicle in the First Degree, Resisting Order to Stop in the First Degree, and Attempted Theft in the Second Degree (attempted theft of ATM and/or cash). The most serious offense, Theft in the First Degree, is a class B felony offense and punishable by a maximum penalty of a ten-year prison term. If convicted as charged, Emch will be subject to a mandatory prison term and not eligible for probation. Prosecutors have also provided notice of an intention to seek an extended term of imprisonment arguing that Emch is a persistent and/or multiple offender.

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

Photo credit: Hawaiʻi County Prosecuting Attorney