LIHU‘E — A North Shore burglar was arraigned Monday in 5th Circuit Court. Justin Charles Berry, 28, of Hanalei, entered a not guilty plea in his appearance before Judge Kathleen Watanabe. The arraignment was not on the calendar. Berry was
LIHU‘E — A North Shore burglar was arraigned Monday in 5th Circuit Court.
Justin Charles Berry, 28, of Hanalei, entered a not guilty plea in his appearance before Judge Kathleen Watanabe.
The arraignment was not on the calendar.
Berry was arrested Aug. 10 on charges of first-degree criminal trespass, two counts of second-degree theft, fourth-degree theft, third-degree promotion of a dangerous drug and unlawful use of drug paraphernalia. The charges are believed to be related to burglaries in the Hanalei and Ha‘ena area.
County Deputy Prosecuting Attorney Rebecca Vogt represented the state.
Berry was assigned to State Deputy Public Defender Christian Enright, for the purpose of the arraignment.
The Public Defender’s office noted there would be a conflict of interest from once having represented a witness in the case.
Watanabe said the court would appoint a private attorney for the defendant and scheduled a status of counsel hearing for Sept. 4. The trial date was scheduled for Jan. 14. Bail for Berry is currently set at $25,000. A bail study was ordered.
Berry is considered one of four primary burglary suspects among others in separate arrests. He was arrested at a Ha‘ena vacation rental with stolen items believed to be connected to multiple car and home break-ins.
Kaua‘i Police Chief Darryl Perry said at a public safety town hall in Princeville last Thursday that Berry has 39 prior charges from arrests and eight convictions. This does not include the 14 pending charges.
The charges include drugs and paraphernalia, theft, criminal trespass, unauthorized entry and control of a motor vehicle, assault, family abuse, criminal property damage, failure to appear, criminal contempt of court and violation of bail.
Other recent arrests believed to be related to North Shore burglaries include Kyle Matsumoto, 35, Maile Hermstad, 31, and Noel Kinney, 23. They have yet to be arraigned in Circuit Court.
• Tom LaVenture, staff writer, can be reached at 245-3681 (ext. 224) or tlaventure@thegardenisland.com.
