Keauhou Man Charged With 16 Drug, Gun-Related Offenses

Prosecuting Attorney Kelden Waltjen announced on Friday several drug-related charges against a Keauhou man.

Keoni Patrick Keli’ima Cassidy, 28, was charged with attempted distribution of methamphetamine and heroin, possession of fentanyl, Suboxone, and anabolic steroids, as well firearm offenses in relation to an incident in Kona that occurred on Nov. 18, 2021.

As the complaint alleges, Cassidy was charged with 16 offenses including two counts each of Attempted Promoting a Dangerous Drug in the First Degree (attempted distribution of more than an eighth of an ounce of methamphetamine and heroin), Promoting a Dangerous Drug in the First Degree (possession of more than an ounce of methamphetamine and heroin), Promoting a Harmful Drug in the Third Degree (possession of 25 or more capsules, tablets, or dosage units of suboxone and/or buprenorphine and oxymetholone and/or testosterone), three counts of Promoting a Dangerous Drug in the Third Degree (possession of any amount of fentanyl, cocaine, and methamphetamine), and a single count each of Possession of a Firearm in the Commission of a Felony Drug Offense, Place to Keep an Unloaded Firearm (a Remington semi-automatic 12 gauge shotgun), Ownership or Possession of Firearm and Ammunition Prohibited (person under treatment or counseling for addition, abuse, or dependence on drugs), Place to Keep Ammunition, Promoting a Detrimental Drug in the Third Degree, Permit to Acquire Firearm, and Registration Mandatory.

Cassidy remains in custody in lieu of $322,550 bail pending his initial appearance today in Kona District Court.

The investigation was lead by Officer John Harvey, Kona Patrol and Detective Kelsey Kobayashi, Area II Vice Section, of the Hawai‘i Police Department. The case is being prosecuted by Deputy Prosecuting Attorney Chase Murray.

The charges are merely allegations, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.

Anyone having information concerning illegal narcotics distribution should call the Hawai‘i Police Department Vice Section in East Hawai‘i at (808) 961-2258, in West Hawai‘i at (808) 326-4646 Ext. 226, or Crime Stoppers at (808) 961-8300.