A Hilo grand jury returned indictments Wednesday against two men accused of felonies in unrelated cases.
A 11-count indictment charges Cory George Young, 43, of Hilo with first-degree promotion of a dangerous drug, attempted first-degree promotion of a dangerous drug, marijuana possession, possession of drug paraphernalia, possession of a firearm in the commission of a felony drug offense, carrying a loaded firearm on a public roadway, being a felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition, illegally carrying ammunition, and driving without a license.
Police say on the night of Jan. 22, they rousted Young, who allegedly fell asleep at the wheel of a white Nissan sedan on Kanoelehua Avenue — with the motor running — while waiting to turn left toward Hilo International Airport.
Officers reportedly saw a firearm in the car, and a search of the car allegedly turned up a loaded .22 caliber handgun, more than 2.17 pounds of methamphetamine, 21.4 grams of marijuana and drug paraphernalia.
Young, who also was charged with violating parole, had a preliminary hearing scheduled for Thursday in Hilo District Court, but the indictment moves his case to Hilo Circuit Court.
The most serious charges — first-degree promotion of a dangerous drug, attempted first-degree promotion of a dangerous drug, and possession of a firearm in the commission of a felony drug offense — are all Class A felonies punishable by up to 20 years imprisonment upon conviction.
Young remains in custody at Hawaii Community Correctional Center in lieu of $254,000 bail.
In an unrelated case, a nine-count indictment charges George Anthony Cruz III with kidnapping, carrying a firearm in the commission of a separate felony, being a felon in possession of a firearm, three counts of felony domestic abuse — two involving a minor younger than 14 — and three counts of first-degree terroristic threatening.
According to court documents filed by police, Cruz’s 28-year-old wife told officers her husband threatened to kill her multiple times while pointing a black handgun at her, including while she was holding their 6-month-old son. He also allegedly grabbed her by the neck and at one point held her against her will.
Cruz was on probation after being convicted of burglary, theft and unauthorized entry to a motor vehicle when the domestic incident allegedly occurred.
Cruz had a preliminary hearing scheduled for Thursday in Hilo District Court, but the indictment moves his case to Hilo Circuit Court.
The most serious charges, kidnapping and use of a firearm in the commission of a separate felony, are Class A felonies punishable by up to 20 years imprisonment, upon conviction.
Cruz remains in custody in Hawaii Community Correctional Center in lieu of $137,000 bail.