A 22-year-old Volcano man accused of breaking into an ice factory on Banyan Drive faces a Dec. 15 trial date.
A 22-year-old Volcano man accused of breaking into an ice factory on Banyan Drive faces a Dec. 15 trial date.
Clinton Ronald Souza pleaded not guilty Thursday before Hilo Circuit Judge Glenn Hara. He’s charged with burglary during a civil defense emergency, five counts of unauthorized entry to a motor vehicle, two counts of property damage and first-degree theft.
Souza, who remains in custody at Hawaii Community Correctional Center in lieu of $152,000 bail, could be sentenced to up to 10 years in prison if convicted on the burglary charge.
Court documents filed by police indicate Souza confessed to the burglary, which allegedly occurred either during the late night of Aug. 12 or the early morning of Aug. 13, while the state was under an emergency proclamation by Gov. Neil Abercrombie because of Tropical Storm Iselle.
Much of Puna was without power at the time and affected residents were standing in lines to receive ice and other emergency supplies.