Hawai‘i Island police charged a Waimea couple with more than a half dozen drug offenses, as well as illegal fireworks violations following their December 30 arrest.
After a month-long investigation, Area II Vice Section investigators served a search warrant on a Waimea residence occupied by 31-year-old Kendell Artuyo and his wife, Lexa Artuyo also age 31.
Police recovered nearly 1.9 grams of fentanyl mixture, 30 Suboxone pills having a total street value of more than $2,200, and recovered more than 25 pounds of illegal aerial fireworks. They also seized more than $2,572 in US currency for forfeiture. The couple’s two minor children were taken into protective custody for their safety.
After conferring with the County Prosecutor’s Office police charged Kendell Artuyo with:
- two counts of endangering the welfare of a child
- one count of promoting a dangerous drug in the third degree
- one count of promoting a dangerous drug in the second degree
- one count of promoting a harmful drug in the second degree
- one count of drug paraphernalia
- one count of fireworks prohibitions
His bail was set at $72,250.
Lexa Artuyo was charged with:
- four counts of endangering the welfare of a child
- two counts of promoting a dangerous drug in the third degree
- one count of promoting a dangerous drug in the second degree
- one count of promoting a harmful drug in the second degree
- two counts of drug paraphernalia
- one count of fireworks prohibitions
Her bail was set at $84,500.
Lexa Artuyo was released on her own recognizance due to a medical issue. Kendell Artuyo posted bail. Both parties are due in Kona District Court for their preliminary hearing on February 2.
HPD Photo
