Man from Hilo indicted for stealing 3 Toyota Tacomas, trying to steal ATM

Wayne Emch, 41 of Hilo, was indicted by a Hilo grand last week under three indictments for the theft of three Toyota Tacomas and the attempted theft of an automated teller machine, according to Hawai’i County Prosecuting Attorney Kelden Waltjen.

The indictments stem from incidents that occurred within the Districts of South Hilo, Waimea, and North Kona between Feb. 9 and March 2, 2023. 

Emch made his initial appearance in Hilo Circuit Court on Friday afternoon with a total bail of $120,000 maintained.

He is facing a slew of charges.

For the first indictment: first degree theft, first degree unauthorized control of a propelled vehicle, third degree promotion of a dangerous drug and prohibited acts related to drug paraphernalia.  

For the second indictment: first degree theft, first degree unauthorized control of a propelled vehicle and resisting order to stop in the first degree. 

For the third indictment: first degree unauthorized control of a propelled vehicle, resisting order to stop in the first degree and second degree attempted theft (of ATM). 

The most serious offense, first degree theft, is a class B felony offense and  punishable by a maximum penalty of a 10-year prison term. If convicted as charged, Emch will  be subject to a mandatory prison term and not eligible for probation.

Prosecutors have also provided notice of an intention to seek an extended term of imprisonment arguing that Emch is a persistent and/or multiple offender. 

The cases were initiated by South Hilo Patrol, South Kohala Patrol and North Kona  Patrol. The felony investigations were led by the Area I Special Enforcement Unit and Area I and Area II Criminal Investigation Sections. The cases are being prosecuted by Deputy Prosecuting Attorney Kevin Soong.