45 year-old Elswood E. Noeau of Puna was charged with sexual assault, theft of a cellphone, and cocaine possession during a Christmas Eve incident involving his estranged girlfriend at a Hilo residence.

As the Complaint alleges, Noeau is charged with Sexual Assault in the Second Degree, Attempted Sexual Assault in the Second Degree, Unauthorized Entry Motor Vehicle in the Second Degree, Promoting a Dangerous Drug in the Third Degree, and Theft in the Second Degree (obtained or exerted unauthorized control over the property of another, a cellphone, from the person of another), or in the alternative, Theft in the Fourth Degree (obtained or exerted unauthorized control over the property of another, a cellphone, the value of which did not exceed $250.00). The most serious offenses, Sexual Assault in the Second Degree and Attempted Sexual Assault in the Second Degree, carries a penalty of either a ten-year prison term or five years probation and up to eighteen months in jail.

The case was initiated by HPD South Hilo Patrol while the felony investigation was led by Detective Clarence Acob, of HPD’s Area I Juvenile Aid Section.

The case is being prosecuted by Deputy Prosecuting Attorney Ha‘aheo Kaho‘ohalahala, Supervisor of the Sexual Assault Unit.

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

Photo credit: Hawaiʻi County Prosecuting Attorney