Pahoa man accused of sexually assaulting minor

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A 30-year-old Pahoa man is charged with 13 offenses in connection with an alleged Monday morning sexual assault in Hilo.

A 30-year-old Pahoa man is charged with 13 offenses in connection with an alleged Monday morning sexual assault in Hilo.

Patrick Noah Torres faces two counts of first-degree sexual assault, seven counts of third-degree sexual sexual assault, all felonies, plus two counts each of custodial interference and providing liquor to minors. His bail was set at $35,500.

Two minors, a boy and girl, told police they were walking to a Puna school in a heavy downpour and stopped for shelter near a store. A man, later identified as Torres, reportedly offered them a ride to school in his black truck, but instead of taking them to school, drove to several locations in Puna and South Hilo, where he sexually assaulted the girl.

The victim was uninjured other than the sexual assault.

Torres was released on $35,500 bail and is scheduled to appear Nov. 1 in Hilo District Court.

Anyone with information about this incident is asked to call Crime Stoppers at 961-8300 or contact Detective Jesse Kerr at 961-8843 or jesse.kerr@hawaiicounty.gov.