A Hilo man now faces multiple charges including drug and firearm offenses following a traffic stop conducted by South Hilo patrol officers. Godfrey Paul Leopoldino, 41, was stopped in the area of Kanoelehua Avenue and Leilani Street early Tuesday morning, July 30.
According to a local police report on Nixle, after conferring with the Hawai’i County Prosecutors Office, detectives charged Leopoldino on Wednesday, July 31, with a variety of offenses including place to keep: ammunition, ownership or possession prohibited, and possessing a loaded firearm on public highways. Additional charges include driving while the license suspended or revoked, second-degree promoting a dangerous drug, and third-degree promoting a dangerous drug.
The traffic stop which led to Leopoldino's arrest revealed a brown lever-action rifle visibly located in the bed of his pick-up truck. Subsequently, officers discovered two live ammunition rounds in the pockets of his shorts during a search incident to his arrest. His vehicle was impounded as evidence and towed to the South Hilo District police station.
Following the acquisition of a search warrant, detectives searched Leopoldino's truck on July 31. The thorough search unearthed two functioning rifles, live ammunition in various calibers, over 11 grams of methamphetamine, a methamphetamine smoking pipe, and $589.00 in cash. Leopoldino, who could not post the $197,000 bail, made his initial court appearance on Thursday, August 1, reported the Hawai’i police.
The authorities have appealed to the public for any further information concerning this incident. Those with knowledge have been encouraged to contact Detective Kimo Keliipaakaua of the Area I Criminal Investigation Section at (808) 961-2375 or via email at [email protected].
