KAILUA-KONA — A 37-year-old Puna man was charged Friday with nine sexual offenses in connection with a sexual assault reported in Hilo last week, authorities confirmed Monday.
KAILUA-KONA — A 37-year-old Puna man was charged Friday with nine sexual offenses in connection with a sexual assault reported in Hilo last week, authorities confirmed Monday.
Paul Andrew Banasihan Jr. of Keaʻau is facing three counts of fourth-degree sexual assault and six counts of second-degree sexual assault.
Charges stem from an incident that was reported on April 17. According to Hawaii Police, a female minor reported that an adult male staff member of a youth program in Hilo removed her from her classroom and took her to his personal vehicle located on premises, where he sexually assaulted her.
Banasihan posted $66,000 bail for these charges on Friday. His initial court appearance is scheduled for May 15 at the South Hilo District Court.
Police ask anyone with information about this incident to contact Det. Fetuutuunai Amuimuia at 961-2276 or Fetuutuunai.Amuimuia@hawaiicounty.gov.
Those who prefer to remain anonymous may call the islandwide Crime Stoppers number at 961-8300 and may be eligible for a reward of up to $1,000. Crime Stoppers is a volunteer program run by ordinary citizens who want to keep their community safe. Crime Stoppers does not record calls or subscribe to any Caller ID service. All Crime Stoppers information is kept confidential.
20 years in prison..off island…….
WHT with another half baked story lacking info, playing court. Guilty in public before any info comes out. Uncle Paul over here playing judge. Another brown mug shot. Sad.
Correct Supa, and “a female minor reported”. We all know they are not drama queens at that age, and how reliable their stories at that age can be. NOT!
Still, why did he take her out of class and to his car? It sounds like there may be evidence of the “assault”. Little blue dress?
With all due respect, the voices of women, especially young women (and men) must be heard in situations such as these. Please forgive me I am not arguing I’m the behalf of the accused. I just find the sensationalism of crime by wht sometimes feels a bit racist and classist. Thanks
To be charged there must be enough evidence. To make the charge public in a case like this where it’s likely that there are more victims, WHT is doing a public service. And therefore its their job.