Hilo man accused of stealing mail, forging checks scheduled to appear in court

A Hilo man is slated to appear for a preliminary hearing this afternoon on charges of mail theft and forgery.

The charges stem from a report of mail stolen from a mailbox in November 2023, including the victim’s checks. The suspect, identified as Keoni Paulino, 30, was seen depositing one of the victim’s stolen checks written out for $3,500 and forged with the victim’s signature.

Paulino is charged with:

• Second-degree theft
• Second-degree identity theft
• Unauthorized possession of personal confidential information
• Third-degree forgery

Paulino’s bail was set at $10,000.

The Hawai‘i Police Department recommends residents install locked mailboxes at their residences to help deter theft of incoming mail; as well as drop off outgoing mail at a secure United States Postal Service drop box, or post office.