61 year-old Charles Zuffante of Keaʻau was recently sentenced to an indeterminate term of 20 years in prison for attempted promotion of methamphetamine. After receiving the Court’s decision, Zuffante, who was found guilty by a Kona jury in February, was taken into custody to begin serving his sentence.

The case stemmed from an October 21, 2021 vehicle traffic stop by Officers in Kona. Upon his arrest, officers located a Ziploc packet containing 3.5 grams of methamphetamine in Zuffante’s pocket. The vehicle was towed to the police station, where officers recovered, methamphetamine packaged in distributable amounts, specifically ten Ziploc packets each containing 3.5 grams of a substance containing methamphetamine and five Ziploc packets each containing 14 grams of a substance containing methamphetamine.

Zuffante was originally charged via grand jury indictment in April of 2022.

The case was initiated by Officers Charles Caldwell-Ka‘ai and Devon Manuel, Kona Patrol, and the felony investigation was handled by Officer Justin Gaspar, Area II Vice Section, Hawai‘i Police Department.

“This outcome would not have been possible without the dedication of these officers. Today’s sentencing demonstrates our Office’s commitment to hold drug dealers accountable for poisoning our community,” said Prosecuting Attorney Kelden Waltjen in a statement. Waltjen continued, “We will continue to prioritize the prosecution and investigation of those who distribute dangerous drugs including methamphetamine, fentanyl, and heroin.”

Photo credit: Hawaiʻi County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office