48 year-old Kris Villasista was arrested and charged for the theft of a Toyota Tacoma that was originally reported stolen from the Hilo Benioff Medical Center parking lot on October 17.

Villasista was arrested after officers located him nearby the scene of a traffic accident involving the same Toyota Tacoma on October 19.

Yesterday afternoon, Villasista made his initial appearance in Hilo District Court where his bail was maintained at $70,000.00 and he was ordered to appear for a preliminary hearing on October 23.

As the Complaint alleges, Villasista was charged with Theft in the First Degree (theft of a motor vehicle, a Toyota truck) and Unauthorized Control of a Propelled Vehicle in the First Degree. The more serious offense, Theft in the First Degree, is a class B felony offense which carries a maximum penalty of a ten-year prison term. If convicted as charged, Villasista is subject to a mandatory prison term and will not be eligible for probation.

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

The case is being prosecuted by Deputy Prosecuting Attorney Heipua Ah Loy.

 

HPD Photo