Volcano Man Faces Sexual Assault and Several Other Charges

A Volcano man faces multiple charges, including sexual assault, in connection with a Jan. 9 incident in Mountain View.

Hawai‘i County Prosecuting Attorney Kelden Waltjen announced today that 36 year-old Brandon Benz-Marrs of Volcano is charged with first-degree sexual assault, kidnapping, first-degree burglary and two counts of abuse of a family or household Member.

First-degree sexual assault is a Class A felony that carries a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison.

Benz-Marrs made his initial appearance this afternoon in Hilo District Court. He remains in custody in lieu of $120,000 bail.

The case was initiated by Hawai‘i Police Department officers Johnathan Rapoza, Tyler Cruz and Rodney DeLima with Puna Patrol and the felony investigation was handled by Det. Gavin Kagimoto of the Area I Juvenile Aid Section.

The case is being prosecuted by Deputy Prosecuting Attorney Sylvia Wan.