Update: Bail Reduced for Hilo Man Facing Numerous Drug, Gun Charges: Big Island Now

Updated at 5:55 p.m. June 17: Jantzen-James Mata, 39, of Hilo, who faces several drug and firearms charges related to the execution of a drug search warrant on the vehicle he was driving during a routine traffic stop in Puna, made his first appearance Monday afternoon in Hilo District Court. .

Over prosecutors’ objections, Mata’s bail was reduced to $411,000 and he was summoned to appear June 19 for a preliminary hearing.

Original message from 12:41 p.m. June 17: A Hilo man faces several charges after being arrested following the execution of a drug search warrant on the vehicle he was driving which revealed the presence of 400 grams of methamphetamine, paraphernalia related to drugs, worth more than $1,200 in cash, a loaded Smith & Wesson 9mm semi-automatic pistol. and ammunition during a routine traffic stop on Highway 11 in Puna.

Jantzen-James Mata, 39, will make his first appearance this afternoon in Hilo District Court. He remained in custody Monday morning on $611,000 bail.

Mata is accused of:

• First degree attempt to promote a dangerous drug.
• First degree promotion of a dangerous drug.
• Three counts of third-degree promotion of a dangerous drug.
• Driving a vehicle under the influence of an intoxicant.
• Place to store pistol or revolver.
• Possession of a firearm with intent to facilitate the commission of a drug offense.
• Carrying or possessing a loaded firearm on a public highway.
• Possession or possession of firearm prohibited.
• Two counts of possessing or possessing prohibited ammunition.

The most serious offenses – first-degree promotion of a dangerous drug and first-degree attempt to promote a dangerous drug and possession of a firearm with intent to facilitate the commission of a drug-related offense drug – are class A misdemeanors each carrying a maximum sentence of 20 years. in prison.

Prosecutors informed the court that if Mata was convicted of the charges, they would seek an extended prison sentence.