HAWAII COUNTY POLICE DEPARTMENT
SOUTH HILO PATROL DIVISION
CAPTAIN LARRY R. WEBER
PHONE: 961-2214
APRIL 16, 2004

MEDIA RELEASE UPDATE

A 26-year-old Hilo man sought on four outstanding bench warrants was arrested Monday (April 19, 2004) at a Fern Forest residence in Puna.

The suspect, Benny Rapoza, was apprehended at 1:50 p.m. at an Omega Street address for the outstanding warrants.

Arresting officers also observed marijuana plants growing in the area and obtained a search warrant. As a result, they recovered 12 marijuana plants ranging in height from three to four feet, miscellaneous packets of crystal residue and 33 grams of dried marijuana.

For the outstanding warrants, Rapoza was charged with three counts of contempt of court, one count of failure to appear in court, nine traffic offenses and one count of abuse.

He is currently being held in the Hilo police cellblock in lieu of $3,825 bail.

In addition to the outstanding warrants, Rapoza was arrested for two counts of pro dangerous drugs, two counts of illegal possession of drug paraphernalia, one count of commercial promotion and one count of promoting a detrimental drug.

Charges for the drug offenses are awaiting further investigation.

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