Six people appeared Monday in Fifth Circuit Court, Judge Clifford L. Nakea presiding, three on charges related to drugs, one for terroristic threatening and another for robbery. – Kenneth Gross, the man arrested in connection with the burglary and robbery
Six people appeared Monday in Fifth Circuit Court, Judge Clifford L. Nakea presiding, three on charges related to drugs, one for terroristic threatening and another for robbery.
– Kenneth Gross, the man arrested in connection with the burglary and robbery of Thrifty Mart in Puhi on Dec. 14, was arraigned and received a public defender. Gross is accused of breaking into the store near closing time with a crowbar and trying to steal money from the two cashiers. A nearby shopkeeper heard the scuffle and removed Gross’ mask. The cashiers recognized him as a Thrifty Mart customer.
He entered a plea of not guilty to two counts of first-degree robbery, first-degree burglary and attempted theft, and trial was set for March 18. Gross did not make bail and remains in the Kauai Community Correctional Center.
– Richard Eugene Romero pleaded guilty to threatening his nephew in their Kalaheo home in the early morning hours of Dec. 13.
Romero is accused of taking a kitchen knife into his nephew’s room and asking if he would like to “try him,” if he would like to fight. Romero was originally charged with two counts of terroristic threatening, but in a plea agreement took one count. The crime is a Class C felony, punishable by up to 5 years imprisonment. He will be sentenced March 13.
– Glenn William Kaleleiki, accused of driving under the influence of drugs, possession of drug paraphernalia, possession of crystal meth, and driving without a license, did not appear for arraignment. The case was brought up from District Court on Dec. 24. Kaleleiki made bail ($5,000) Dec. 27 and a bench warrant was served for failure to appear.
– Keola Carvalho was arraigned in two cases, one for marijuana and drug paraphernalia; the other for theft, weapons violation, false reporting and driving without a license. Both cases were sent up from District Court (Kawaihau and Hanalei); Carvalho pleaded not guilty in both and trials were set for February 18.
– Justin McCormack was arraigned in a case involving ice, marijuana, drug paraphernalia, driving without a license, no safety check and illicit prescription drugs. McCormack took a plea offer and will be sentenced March 13.
