Hilo man indicted on robbery, theft and assault against a law enforcement officer

A Big Island man faces a slew of charges stemming from separate incidents that happened between Sept. 23 and Oct. 3

The Hawai’i County Office of the Prosecuting Attorney says 37-year-old Jeffrey DeCastro Jr. of Hilo was indicted for robbery, theft of a Toyota 4Runner that allegedly involved the use of a shotgun, habitual property crime, methamphetamine possession, felon in possession and assault against a law enforcement officer.

DeCastro, who has prior felony convictions for theft and burglary, was charged with 11 offenses including first-degree robbery, first-degree theft, first-degree unauthorized control of a propelled vehicle, habitual property crime, prohibited ownership or possession of ammunition, first-degree resisting order to stop, second-degree assault against a law enforcement officer, driving while license suspended or revoked, prohibited acts related to drug paraphernalia and two counts of third-degree promoting a dangerous drug.

The most serious offense, first-degree robbery, is a Class A felony, which carries a penalty of a 20-year prison term.

DeCastro made his initial appearance Tuesday in Hilo Circuit Court. His bail was maintained at $127,000 and he was ordered to appear Nov. 1 for arraignment and a plea hearing.

The case was initiated by the Hawai‘i Police Department’s South Hilo Patrol and the felony investigation was led by the Area I Special Enforcement Unit and Area I Vice Section. The case is being prosecuted by Deputy County Prosecuting Attorneys Joseph Lee and Duane Kokesch.