A 45-year-old Papaikou man accused of possessing nearly a pound of heroin faces 11 drug- and firearms-related charges, 10 of them felonies, after a federal search warrant was served March 4 on his Government Road home.
Desmond P. Valentin is charged with two counts each of 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, three counts of felon in possession of a firearm, and single counts of second-degree promotion of a dangerous drug and possession of drug paraphernalia.
The most serious charges are Class A felonies punishable by up to 20 years imprisonment, upon conviction.
According to court documents filed by police, the search turned up 13 1/4 ounces of heroin and 5.75 grams of crystal methamphetamine.
Officers also allegedly found a Marlin .22 caliber rifle loaded with nine rounds of ammunition and a Ruger .45 caliber automatic pistol with a loaded magazine inserted but no ammunition in the chamber, plus hundreds of rounds of various types of ammunition, documents state.
Valentin has a felony record dating back to 1993, which disqualifies him from legally possessing firearms and ammunition.
He’s also scheduled to go on trial Monday in Hilo Circuit Court on second-degree assault and first-degree terroristic threatening charges, both Class C felonies carrying potential five-year prison terms.
At Valentin’s initial court appearance on the new charges, Hilo District Judge Harry Freitas confirmed bail at $400,000 and ordered Valentin to appear for a preliminary hearing at 2 p.m. today.
Valentin remains in custody at Hawaii Community Correctional Center.
Email John Burnett at jburnett@hawaiitribune-herald.com.