29 year-old Christopher Estoy of Kona was charged with kidnapping, custodial interference, unlawful imprisonment, and terroristic threatening in relation to an August 24, 2022 incident involving a minor at Honaunau Elementary School and a separate burglary which occurred at the Dolphin Bay Hotel in Hilo on August 8, 2022.
At the time of his arrest for the following incidents, he was also arrested for an outstanding Circuit Court bench warrant.
As the Complaints allege, Estoy, who has a prior felony Kidnapping conviction, was charged with Kidnapping, Custodial Interference in the First Degree (took, enticed, concealed, or detained a minor less than eleven years old, from the minor’s lawful custodian, knowing that he had no right to do so), Unlawful Imprisonment in the Second Degree (knowingly restrained another person), Terroristic Threatening in the First Degree (with use of a dangerous instrument, a knife), and Burglary in the First Degree.
The most serious offense, Kidnapping, is a class A felony, punishable by 20 years in prison. If convicted of the Kidnapping, Terroristic Threatening, or the Burglary offenses, Estoy faces a mandatory prison term and will not be eligible for probation.
The kidnapping investigation was initiated by Kona Patrol, the burglary investigation was initiated by South Hilo Patrol, and the felony investigation was handled by Detective Kevin Brodie, Area II Juvenile Aid Section, Hawai‘i Police Department. The case is being prosecuted by Deputy Prosecuting Attorney Kate Perazich.
The charges are merely allegations, and the Defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
(Photo credit: Hawaiʻi County Prosecuting Attorney)