Hilo man charged with theft of Jeep Wrangler, possession of methamphetamine and heroin

Gilbert Mata, 32, of Hilo was arrested and charged in relation to the theft of a 2023 Jeep, according to a recent announcement from the County of Hawaiʻi Office of the Prosecuting Attorney.

As stated in the press release:

The car was originally reported stolen on April 21, 2024, from Budget Rental Car in Kona. Police report that Mata was arrested on May 20, 2024 for allegedly operating the Jeep within the parking lot of the ‘Imiloa Astronomy Center in Hilo, where he was seen driving over a cement parking curb and through heavy vegetation, causing the Jeep to flip onto its passenger side. Mata was observed exiting the driver’s door and arrested after a short foot pursuit.

Mata made his initial appearance in Hilo District Court on Wednesday afternoon. His bail was maintained at $131,000.00 and he was ordered to appear for a preliminary hearing on May 24, 2024.

Mata is charged with Theft in the First Degree (theft of a motor vehicle, a Jeep Wrangler), Unauthorized Control of Propelled Vehicle in the First Degree, Habitual Property Crime, Promoting a Dangerous Drug in the Third Degree (possess any amount of methamphetamine), Promoting a Dangerous Drug in the Third Degree (possess any amount of heroin), and Promoting a Detrimental Drug in the Third Degree.

The most serious offense, Theft in the First Degree, is a class B felony offense which carries a penalty of a ten-year prison term or four years probation and up to eighteen months in jail.

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

The theft case was initiated by Kona Patrol. The arrest was made by South Hilo Patrol. The
felony investigation was led by Detective David Po‘ohina, Area I Criminal Investigation Section, Hawai‘i Police Department. The case is being prosecuted by Deputy Prosecuting Attorney Ha‘aheo Kaho‘ohalahala.

The Office of the Prosecuting Attorney also added it is dedicated to the pursuit of justice with integrity and commitment.

The office asks anyone having information to assist local law enforcement and call Crime Stoppers at (808) 961-8300.