A Hilo man is facing a laundry list of charges in connection with a reported mail theft incident earlier this week. Keoni Brian Paulino, 31, was arrested and charged with 21 offenses following an investigation into mailbox burglaries in the Waiākea Uka area of Hilo, according to the Hawaii Police Department.
The saga began in the early morning hours of on Tuesday, when South Hilo patrol officers responded to a report of mail being stolen from mailboxes along Kupulau Road. A dark-colored SUV was seen leaving the scene, leading officers to a dark blue Mercedes SUV soon afterward. Paulino, determined to be the driver and sole occupant, found himself under arrest following a traffic stop initiated by police officers, as reported by the Hawaii Police Department.
Further investigation revealed a trove of evocative evidence. Paulino allegedly had numerous items of stolen mail under the front passenger seat of his vehicle, which also contained stolen credit cards and receipts for transactions made with the pilfered plastic. Amidst the paper trail and financial debris, police found a glass smoking pipe with residue that was presumptive positive for methamphetamine, hinting at layers of individual struggle far beyond mail theft, as detailed by the Hawaii Police Department.
A search warrant executed on the vehicle brought more incriminating items to light. Detectives recovered mail and credit cards belonging to residents in the upper Waiākea Uka area, painting a broader portrait of the alleged crimes. "The Area I Criminal Investigation Section is continuing this investigation," revealed a statement obtained by the Hawaii Police Department.
Paulino is facing several charges, including three counts of mail theft, four counts of illegally having personal information, and identity theft, among other related crimes. His bail is set at $264,000. He appeared in Hilo District Court on Thursday. Anyone with information can contact Detective Joseph Picadura of the Area I Criminal Investigation Section, as per the Hawaii Police Department.
