31 year-old Ocean K. Hegent of Puna was charged in relation to a felony assault and kidnapping incident that took place at a Hawaiian Paradise Park residence on May 6.

Yesterday afternoon, Hegent made his initial appearance in Hilo District Court where his bail was maintained at $85,000.00 and he was ordered to appear for a preliminary hearing on May 10.

As the Complaint alleges, Hegent was charged with Assault in the First Degree (intentionally or knowingly cause serious bodily injury to another person), Assault in the Second Degree (intentionally or knowingly cause substantial bodily to another person), and Kidnapping (intentionally or knowingly restrain another person with intent to inflict bodily injury). The most serious offense, Kidnapping, is a class A felony offense which carries a penalty of a twenty-year prison term. Assault in the First Degree is a class B felony offense which carries a penalty of either a ten-year prison term or four years probation and up to eighteen months in jail.

The case was initiated by Officer Paul Rose, Puna Patrol, and the felony investigation was led by Detective Zenas Pacheco, Area I Criminal Investigation Section, Hawai‘i Police Department. The case is being prosecuted by Deputy Prosecuting Attorney Duane Kokesch.

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

HPD Photo