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Kamuela drug bust 07-28-10

Hawai’i Police Department
Vice Section, Area II
Lieutenant Miles Chong
Phone: 326-4646, Ext. 226
July 28, 2010
Report No. C10020713

(Click image to see larger view.)
Image: Fernandez mug shot Image: Lemons mug shot Image: Bailey mug shot
Fernandez Lemons Bailey

Media Release

Three adults were arrested for drug offenses at a Kamuela home Monday afternoon (July 26).

At 4:35 p.m., investigators from the Area II Vice Section served a search warrant at a Kamamalu Street home, where they recovered approximately 220 grams (7 ¾ ounces) of crystal methamphetamine, 0.5 grams of powdered cocaine, 87 grams of dried marijuana, zip packets and digital scales. Officers also discovered an indoor marijuana growing operation in the home and recovered 50 marijuana plants ranging in height from 3 inches to 3 feet. Police also seized $937 in cash for forfeiture and a "bang stick" — a firearm-like device designed and primarily used to discharge a single round of ammunition at a time under water.

Police arrested two men, 39-year-old Manuel M. Fernandez Jr. and 18-year-old Neal Lemons, and a 37-year-old woman, Renee Bailey, all of Kamuela. Two female teenagers were also present at the home. They were taken into protective custody and turned over to Child Protective Services.

After conferring with prosecutors, police charged the three defendants Tuesday afternoon (July 27).

Lemons was charged with three counts of promoting a detrimental drug. He was released on his own recognizance to appear on September 14 in South Kohala District Court.

Bailey was charged with two counts each of promoting a detrimental drug and promoting a dangerous drug and one count of drug paraphernalia.  Her bail was set at $10,000.

Fernandez was charged with one count each of meth trafficking and ownership prohibited, two counts each of promoting a dangerous drug and promoting a detrimental drug and three counts of drug paraphernalia.  His bail was set at $336,000.

Fernandez is also wanted in Monterey and Salinas California for unrelated parole violations and is being held on an additional $50,000 warrant of arrest from Monterey.  Detectives from the Area II Criminal Investigative Section are working with California authorities on extradition proceedings.