Prosecuting Attorney Kelden Waltjen announced that 31 year-old Marshall Baji of Na’alehu, was arrested on a Grand Jury Indictment warrant. Bail is set at $143,000.
Baji was the fifth man charged in Hawai‘i County’s “Operation Keiki Shield,” an initiative focused on identifying and arresting offenders who commit internet-facilitated sex crimes against minors and rescuing victims of child sexual exploitation and abuse.
As the Indictment alleges, Baji is charged with ten offenses including Electronic Enticement of Child in the First Degree, Attempted Promoting Pornography for Minors, Attempted Promoting Minor-Produced Sexual Images in the First Degree, Promoting a Dangerous Drug in the Third Degree (methamphetamine), Promoting a Detrimental Drug in the Third Degree (marijuana), Prohibited Acts Related to Drug Paraphernalia, Possessing a Loaded Firearm on a Public Highway (a 12 gauge shotgun), Place to Keep Ammunition, Permit to Acquire, and Registration Mandatory. Baji remains in custody in lieu of $143,000 bail and is scheduled to make his initial appearance on Monday in Hilo Circuit Court.
The case is being prosecuted by Sexual Assault Unit Supervisor, Deputy Prosecuting Attorney Ha‘aheo Kaho‘ohalahala, Hawai‘i County Office of the Prosecuting Attorney. The charges are merely allegations, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
The Office of the Prosecuting Attorney remains dedicated to the pursuit of justice with integrity and commitment. Anyone having information to assist local law enforcement should call Crime Stoppers at (808) 961-8300 in East Hawai‘i or (808) 329-8181 in West Hawai‘i.