Hawaiʻi Police Department
Criminal Investigation Section, Area I
Lieutenant Rio S. Amon-Wilkins
Phone: (808) 961-2252
Report No.: 20-072029
Media Release
Hawaiʻi Island Police have arrested and charged a Hilo couple with robbery and an array of other property and drug offenses stemming from an incident which occurred on September 19, 2020 on Makaʻala Street in Hilo.
The individuals are identified as 33-year-old Spenser Jordan Feary and 19-year-old Taelilynn Mahinaʻohoku Harumi Leslie, both of a Hilo address.
On Sunday morning, September 20, 2020, South Hilo Patrol officers were assigned to a theft complaint at a home improvement store on Makaʻala Street in Hilo. It was reported that on the previous morning, September 19th, that two individuals, later identified as Feary and Leslie, loaded numerous store items into a shopping cart and attempted to leave the store without paying for the items. While attempting to exit the store, Feary and Leslie were contacted by a store associate and asked to confirm payment for the merchandise. A physical altercation ensued and the associate was assaulted by Feary and Leslie. Feary and Leslie then left the store without the merchandise, which was valued at over $1460.
Area I Special Enforcement Unit officers took over the investigation and obtained arrest warrants for Feary and Leslie.
On Tuesday, September 29th, Feary was located and arrested on a traffic stop, operating the same vehicle used in the robbery incident on September 19th. Officers observed narcotics and drug paraphernalia within the vehicle. The vehicle was recovered and officers obtained a search warrant. Upon executing the warrant, officer’s recovered various drug paraphernalia items commonly used for drug use and distribution; as well as heroine residue.
On the following day, September 30th, Leslie was located and arrested.
After conferring with County prosecutors, Feary was charged with first-degree robbery, second-degree robbery, first-degree theft, second-degree theft, three counts of third-degree promotion of a dangerous drug, driving without a valid driver license, as well as for an outstanding contempt of court warrant. His bail was set at $131,400.
Leslie was charged with first-degree robbery, second-degree robbery, first-degree theft, second-degree theft, and for two outstanding contempt of court warrants. Her bail was set at $45,450.
Feary had his initial court appearance in South Hilo District court on Wednesday afternoon, September 30th, and Leslie had her initial court appearance in South Hilo District court on Thursday afternoon, October 1st. Both remain in custody at Hawaiʻi Community Correction Center (HCCC).
Police want to remind the public that in light of the current COVID-19 (coronavirus) Emergency Proclamation which was declared by Hawaiʻi Governor David Ige, that there are enhanced penalties for certain offenses. These offenses include, but not limited to, burglary, theft, criminal property damage, and robbery.