Hilo detectives have charged a 39-year-old Puna woman with first-degree hindering prosecution in connection with the investigation of a reported home invasion robbery at a home in the Hawaiian Acres subdivision of Mountain View early in the evening on November 24. 

Wendy M. Joao of Glenwood, was charged with the offense Wednesday morning in connection with false and misleading statements she gave detectives in a suspected attempt to derail their investigation.  She is the mother of Darren Joao, an individual who is being sought by police as a person of interest in the home invasion. 

First degree hindering prosecution is a Class C felony punishable by up to five years in prison. Wendy Joao is being held at the Hilo police cellblock in lieu of $2,000 bail pending her initial court appearance scheduled for tomorrow afternoon in South Hilo District Court.

Detectives assigned to the Police Department's Criminal Investigation Section are continuing the investigation into the home invasion. 

Police ask that anyone with information about the case, the identity of the persons involved or Darren Joao's location call Detective Reed Mahuna at 961-2384 or the Police Department's non-emergency number at 935-3311. 

Tipsters who prefer to remain anonymous may call Crime Stoppers at 961-8300 in Hilo or (808) 329-8181 in Kona.  All calls to Crime Stoppers are kept confidential. 

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