Hawaiʻi Police Department
Criminal Investigations Section, Area I
Lieutenant Gregory Esteban
Phone: 961-2252
Report No. C15026832
Media Release
A Hilo man has been returned to jail while police continue to investigate possible burglary charges against him.
On September 11, the Kehaulani Street home of a 91-year-old Hilo woman was broken into and numerous items were removed.
Ongoing police investigation led to the identity of a suspect, identified as 46-year-old Michael Wayne Ortiz.
Wednesday (December 16), police arrested Ortiz on suspicion of burglary at Hawaiʻi Community Correctional Center, where he was in custody on unrelated charges. He was taken to the Hilo police cellblock while police continued the investigation.
After conferring with the Office of the Prosecuting Attorney, Ortiz was released back to HCCC without charges Thursday morning pending further investigation.