Grand jury indicts former Kona property manager

A Big Island grand jury has indicted a former Kona property manager suspected of closing shop in 2009 while reportedly still owing money to area rental property owners.

Robert Marlowe Smith, owner of the now-defunct Property Network Ltd., was indicted April 19 on one count of first-degree theft, according to 3rd Circuit Court records. A bench warrant was subsequently issued for his arrest with the stipulation he not be released on bail.

The indictment states the theft charge covers alleged crimes that occurred between Feb. 15, 2009, and Aug. 15, 2011. It also notes Smith “obtained or exerted unauthorized control” over U.S. currency valued over $20,000 “with intent to deprive those individuals of the property.”

Because the case remains ongoing, Deputy Prosecuting Attorney Kaua Jackson, who is assigned to the case, declined comment on specifics. She noted, however, the lone theft charge covers 34 police cases listed in the indictment.

First-degree theft is a class B felony punishable by up to 10 years incarceration and a maximum fine of $25,000, according to Hawaii Revised Statutes.

Anyone who may have more information on the alleged case should call Hawaii Police Department Detective Myra Iwamoto at 326-4646, ext. 281. Iwamoto on Friday said police had yet to locate Smith. She then declined further comment on the three-year case.