Prosecuting Attorney Kelden Waltjen announced that 36 year-old Brandon Benz-Marrs of Volcano was charged with sexual assault, kidnapping, and burglary related to a January 9, 2022 incident in Mountain View.

As the Complaint alleges, Benz-Marrs is charged with Sexual Assault in the First Degree, Kidnapping (restraining another person with intent to inflict bodily injury and/or a sexual offense), Burglary in the First Degree (enter a another person’s dwelling with the intent to commit kidnapping, abuse, sexual assault, and/or a crime against another person or property), and two counts of Abuse of a Family or Household Member (causing bodily injury by impeding the normal breathing or circulation of the blood by blocking the nose and mouth). Sexual Assault in the First Degree is a class A felony offense which carries a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison.

The case was initiated by Officers Johnathan Rapoza, Tyler Cruz, and Rodney DeLima, Puna Patrol and the felony investigation was handled by Det. Gavin Kagimoto of the Area I Juvenile Aid Section, Hawai‘i Police Department. The case is being prosecuted by Deputy Prosecuting Attorney Sylvia Wan.

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

Photo credit: Hawaiʻi County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office