Puna man charged in connection with theft of Hyundai Elantra

A Big Island man faces a possible penalty of up to 10 years in prison in connection with a vehicle theft at the end of last month.

Brandon Sanchez of Puna was arrested and charged in connection with the theft of a Hyundai Elantra that was reported stolen June 30. According to police reports, the 30-year-old Puna man approached the Elantra’s owner, asking him for a ride prior to the theft.

Sanchez is charged with first-degree theft, first-degree unauthorized control of a propelled vehicle and habitual property crime.

The most serious offense of first-degree theft is a Class B felony, punishable either by up to 10 years in prison or 4 years probation and up 18 months in jail.

Sanchez made his initial court appearance July 3 in Hilo District Court. The Office of the Hawai‘i County Prosecuting Attorney said his bail was maintained at $90,000 and he was ordered to appear today for a preliminary hearing.

The case was initiated by Hawai‘i Police Department Puna Patrol and the felony investigation handled by the Crime Reduction Unit of the Police Department’s Area I Criminal Investigation Section. The case is being prosecuted by Deputy County Prosecuting Attorney Ryan Caday.