WAINIHA – Kauai Police arrested a 33-year-old male of Kilauea on Thursday after he allegedly extorted money from flood victims during the relief efforts on the North Shore.
WAINIHA – Kauai Police arrested a 33-year-old male of Kilauea on Thursday after he allegedly extorted money from flood victims during the relief efforts on the North Shore.
Stephen Koehne was arrested on the suspicion of extortion in the first degree, robbery in the second degree, and terroristic tereatening in the second degree, according to a county press release. He has since been released pending investigation and has not yet been formally charged.
According to a preliminary investigation, police were informed on Wednesday that an operator of a boat vessel was offering rides to those who were evacuating the Wainiha area. The man reportedly stopped the boat in the middle of the ocean and demanded the riders to pay $200 or they would have to swim back to shore.
KPD’s Investigative Services Bureau along with special investigators from the Office of the Prosecuting Attorney collaborated in this ongoing investigation. The vessel, a 25-foot Riddle, has since been seized as evidence.
“Those conducting illegal activities will be held accountable for their actions,” said Kaua‘ Deputy Chief Michael Contrades. “With that said, we understand that tensions are high right now, but we hope that our community can move forward and focus on the overwhelming support that has also occurred on Kaua‘i during this time of recovery.”
The investigation remains ongoing, and anyone with information on this incident is urged to contact KPD Detective Colin Nesbitt at 241-1698.
A legal representative for Koehne declined to comment Friday.
