Hilo man faces enhanced charges after burglary during COVID-19 emergency
A 35-year-old Hilo man has been charged with enhanced penalties after police said he burglarized a Kurtistown home during Gov. David Ige’s emergency proclamation for the coronavirus outbreak.
Sampson Davidson was charged with two counts of first-degree burglary, two counts of burglary of a dwelling during an emergency period, first-degree criminal property damage, two counts of theft, and prohibited acts during an emergency management period. His bail was set at $162,000. He has an initial court appearance in Hilo on Monday.
Burglary of a dwelling during an emergency period is a class A felony punishable by up to 20 years in prison and a $50,000 fine. The maximum charge Davidson faced without the emergency period was a class B felony, punishable by up to 10 years in prison and a $25,000 fine.
Police said Davidson’s truck was seen in the carport of a home that was being renovated Wednesday. When approached, Davidson fled in his truck, but a family member of the victim was able to get a look at him and his license plate, police said.
Davidson was later identified as the suspect and was located about 9 a.m. Saturday.
During the investigation, police determined Davidson had burglarized the home and stolen property on more than one occasion, police said.
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Police reminded the public that there are enhanced penalties for certain offenses during the COVID-19 emergency. These offense include burglary, theft, criminal property damage, and robbery.