A preliminary hearing is set for a 28-year-old Hilo man accused of a strong-arm robbery.
Hilo District Judge Barbara Takase on Thursday ordered Aaron Raymond Castro to appear for a hearing at 2 p.m. on July 8. Castro is charged with second-degree robbery, second-degree assault and second-degree theft.
According to court documents filed by police, a 30-year-old Hilo man, Jantzen-James Mata, told officers that Castro hit him and broke his jaw, then took Mata’s bag, which reportedly contained almost $400 in cash, and fled.
The incident allegedly occurred on May 23 at the Hilo Terrace Apartments on Waianuenue Avenue. Documents state Castro and Mata are acquaintances.
Castro is featured in the current edition of the public access cable television program “Hawaii Island’s Most Wanted.” He was arrested Monday after turning himself in at the Hilo police station.
Second-degree robbery is a Class B felony punishable by up to 10 years in prison. Second-degree assault and second-degree theft are both Class C felonies punishable by up to five year behind bars.
Castro, who has fought in local mixed martial arts and toughman shows, has twice been prosecuted for misdemeanor assault, according to court records.
In 2007, an assault charge was dismissed as part of a plea deal, and Castro was sentenced to six months probation and time already served for trespassing.
In 2008, Castro pleaded guilty to misdemeanor assault for a mutual affray, and was sentenced to six months probation and five days jail with credit for time served and the remainder stayed. He was also ordered to undergo anger management classes.
Castro is free on $9,000 bail.
Email John Burnett at jburnett@hawaiitribune-herald.com.