Hilo Couple Faces Charges Related to Child Abuse, Several Others

Prosecuting Attorney Kelden Waltjen announced Monday, Nov. 29, that a Hilo couple has been charged in relation to a string of domestic incidents that occurred between September and October 2021.

Kyle Yamada, 42, and Joleen Sarmiento, 37, face accusations of abuse, assault and unlawful imprisonment, among other charges. As the Indictment alleges, Yamada, was charged with 10 offenses including six counts of Felony Abuse of a Family or Household Member (abuse in the presence of a minor under the age of 14), Assault in the Second Degree (cause bodily injury to a minor, with a dangerous instrument, a belt), Attempted Assault in the Second Degree (forced a minor to not move for hours on multiple days, which is a substantial step in course of committing Assault in the Second Degree), Unlawful Imprisonment in the First Degree (knowingly restrained a minor, under circumstances that exposed the minor to risk of serious bodily injury), and misdemeanor Abuse of a Family or Household Member.

Sarmiento was charged with a single count each of Felony Abuse of a Family or Household Member (abuse in the presence of a minor under the age of 14) and Accomplice to Felony Abuse of a Family or Household Member.

Yamada and Sarmiento made their initial appearances Monday in Hilo Circuit Court. Judge Henry Nakamoto denied Yamada’s request for supervised release and maintained his bail at $62,000. Sarmiento was released after posting $10,000 bond. Yamada and Sarmiento were ordered to appear on Feb. 8, 2022, for further proceedings.

The investigation was handled by Detective Corinna McLellan, Area I Juvenile Aid Section, and Officer Joshua Gouveia, South Hilo Patrol, of the Hawai‘i Police Department. The case is being prosecuted by Deputy Prosecuting Attorney Suzanna Tiapula.

The charges are merely allegations, and the defendants are presumed innocent unless, and until, proven guilty. Anyone having information to assist local law enforcement should call Crime Stoppers at (808) 961-8300.