Federal authorities and officials at the Prosecuting Attorney’s Office are hashing out details relating to the long list of charges against three-time fugitive Christopher Dichoso Santos. “We are currently discussing with federal authorities which cases they want to prosecute and
Federal authorities and officials at the Prosecuting Attorney’s Office are hashing out details relating to the long list of charges against three-time fugitive Christopher Dichoso Santos.
“We are currently discussing with federal authorities which cases they want to prosecute and which ones we will be prosecuting,” Prosecuting Attorney Craig De Costa said.
The legal process Santos faces will begin with the county’s charges against him, De Costa added, because the jurisdiction that has possession of the suspect goes first.
Santos, 31, was arrested Thursday night after eluding federal, state and local officials in several chases over the past four months.
Though Santos reportedly tried to flee again that night, officers subdued him by shooting him with a bean bag and a Taser.
Santos’ previous flee attempts include a Dec. 18, 2006 incident in which he allegedly crashed into a heiau and a Feb. 16 chase when he vanished into a Hanapepe Valley cane field.
Santos was wanted on a probation violation, resisting an order to stop a motor vehicle and criminal property damage, as well as second-degree attempted murder as a result of failed arrest attempts.
Santos also was in violation of his parole for charges of first-degree burglary, unauthorized control of a motor vehicle, resisting an order to stop a motor vehicle, second-degree theft and unauthorized entry into a motor vehicle.
The paroling authority has to give Santos a hearing on the parole violations within six months, De Costa said.
As for any new charges, the law states that an arraignment must take place promptly, but does not draw a distinct line on the amount of hours or days between an arrest and arraignment. However, the court must find probable cause from a review of an affidavit of the arresting officer within 48 hours.
Kaua‘i judges have opined that an arraignment should take place within two working days of reviewing the affidavit, De Costa said.
Santos will be arraigned today at 1 p.m. for second-degree promotion of a dangerous drug and prohibitions related to drug paraphernalia.
He has 53 prior arrests and 17 convictions, seven of which are felonies.
• Amanda C. Gregg, staff writer, can be reached at 245-3681 (ext. 252) or agregg@kauaipubco.com.
