LIHU‘E — A Kapa‘a man is serving the remainder of a 30-day sentence for the theft of two dog kennels. Jackson Lee Hilyard, 25, of Kapa‘a, entered a change of plea Wednesday before 5th Circuit Judge Kathleen Watanabe. The crime
LIHU‘E — A Kapa‘a man is serving the remainder of a 30-day sentence for the theft of two dog kennels.
Jackson Lee Hilyard, 25, of Kapa‘a, entered a change of plea Wednesday before 5th Circuit Judge Kathleen Watanabe. The crime could have brought a year in jail were the charges not reduced.
Hilyard was arrested on Nov. 2 for third-degree theft of two dog kennels. The charge was reduced to petty misdemeanor fourth-degree theft in the plea deal.
County Second Deputy Prosecutor Samuel Jajich said the sentence was more than reasonable given there were prior convictions including fourth-degree property damage.
Deputy Public Defender Christian Enright said Hilyard missed his previous change-of-plea court date. No contempt charges were filed, and Enright was able to move forward with the reduced sentence.
Without a request for deferred sentencing, Watanabe went on with instant sentencing.
Hilyard has served nearly two weeks and began serving the remainder of his sentence.
“Think about what you did,” Watanabe said to Hilyard following the sentencing.
Hilyard’s mother was present and said outside the court that her son did not know what he was doing when he agreed to ship a dog and kennel to someone on the Big Island.
Hilyard chose to take the plea instead of moving forward with his case.
• Tom LaVenture, staff writer, can be reached at 245-3681 (ext. 224) or by emailing tlaventure@thegardenisland.com.
