A Hilo man faces a 10-year prison term in relation to a narcotics search warrant

A Hilo man faces a 10-year prison term in relation to a narcotics and firearms search warrant executed on a Keaukaha property over two years ago.

Seth Spidell, 36, was sentenced in Hilo Circuit Court on Thursday in relation to the search warrant that was executed on a Kauhane Avenue residence and property in Keaukaha on April 21, 2022.

According to police reports, Area I Vice officers recovered over 18 pounds of methamphetamine, an Ingram MAC 10 9mm semi-automatic pistol, two unserialized 9 mm semi-automatic handguns, a 30-round high capacity pistol magazine, ammunition, 3 digital scales, a high-speed bill counter and over $13,000.

Spidell was sentenced for five felony charges in relation to the incident. Prosecutors argued for a 15-year sentence, the court ordered that the sentences be served concurrently for a 10-year total.

Spidell appeared in court on Sept. 12 and pleaded guilty to the following charges:

• promoting a dangerous drug in the second degree
• attempted promoting a dangerous drug in the second degree
• two counts of ownership or possession prohibited
• one charge of manufacturing, purchasing or obtaining firearm parts to assemble a firearm having no serial number

“Drugs continue to be one of the primary motivations for criminal activity on Hawai‘i
Island. Our Office will continue to prioritize the investigation and prosecution of those who deal
drugs and poison our community,” said Prosecuting Attorney Kelden Waltjen. “This result
would not be possible without the hard work of our police and prosecutors.”

The investigation was handled by members of the Area I Vice Section from the Hawaiʻi Police Department and the case was prosecuted by the Deputy Prosecuting Attorney Elyssa Correia Keltner.