Oregon Man Charged in Alleged Puna Sexual Assault

An Oregon man faces sexual assault charges in connection with an incident on the Big Island.

Hawai‘i County Prosecuting Attorney Kelden Waltjen announced that 34-year-old Christopher Sanburn was charged with second-degree sexual assault and fourth-degree sexual assault in connection with an alleged sexual assault incident June 24 at an Airbnb on Government Beach Road in Puna.

The most serious offense, second-degree sexual assault, is a Class B felony punishable by up to 10 years in prison or five years probation and up to 18 months in jail.

Sanburn is scheduled to make his initial court appearance Monday, June 27, in Hilo District Court. He remains in custody in lieu of $52,000.00 bail.

The investigation was handled by Detective Patrick Aurello with the Hawai‘i Police Department’s Area I Juvenile Aid Section. The case is being prosecuted by Deputy County Prosecuting Attorney Ha‘aheo Kaho‘ohalahala.

If you or someone you know has experienced sexual assault, go to a safe place and call a trusted friend or relative for support. You can call 911 to report the sexual assault to the police.

The YWCA Hawai‘i Island 24-Hour Sexual Assault Crisis Hotline has advocates available 24 hours a day, seven days a week to provide support and advocacy. The hotline can be reached at 808-935-0677.