Prosecuting Attorney Kelden Waltjen announced that 36 year-old Sheena Kaepekaa Andrews aka Cheena Andrews of Puna, was charged for possession and attempted distribution of methamphetamine and marijuana in relation to an incident on January 19.
As the Complaint alleges, Andrews, a repeat offender with 2 prior felony convictions, was charged with 7 offenses including Attempted Promoting a Dangerous Drug in the First Degree (attempted distribution of over an eighth of an ounce of methamphetamine), Promoting a Dangerous Drug in the Second Degree (possession of over an eighth of an ounce of methamphetamine), two counts of Promoting a Dangerous Drug in the Third Degree (possession of any amount of methamphetamine), Promoting a Detrimental Drug in the Second Degree (possession of over an ounce of marijuana), Attempted Promoting a Detrimental Drug in the First Degree (attempted distribution of over an ounce of marijuana), and Prohibited Acts Related to Drug Paraphernalia.
If convicted as charged, Andrews faces sentencing to a mandatory minimum prison term without the possibility of parole. At the time of her arrest, Andrews was also wanted for outstanding warrants related to two other unrelated felony matters. Andrews made her initial appearance in Hilo District Court on Friday, January 21 where the Court granted Andrews’ request for a bail reduction, reducing her bail from $107,000.00 to $52,000.00 over Prosecutors’ objections, and ordered her appear on January 25th for a preliminary hearing.
This investigation was handled by Officer Daniel Rances, Area I Vice Section, Hawai`i Police Department. The case is being prosecuted by Deputy Prosecuting Attorney Elyssa Correia Keltner.
The charges are merely allegations, and the Defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Photo credit: Hawaiʻi County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office
