Kīhei Man Held on $105,000 Bail, Accused of Burglary During Civil Emergency

Chase Mociun (37) of Kīhei. PC: Maui Police Department.

Maui police say an unknown adult male forcefully entered a jewelry store in Pāʻia at approximately 2:55 a.m. on March 30, 2020, and allegedly removed multiple items estimated at over $100,000.

Wailuku Patrol informed the Crime Reduction Officers that a male identified only “Chase” was involved with the break-in.  Upon further investigation police say the male suspect was later identified as Chase Mociun, 37, of Kīhei.

Crime Reduction Officers executed State of Hawaiʻi Search Warrants at approximately 10 a.m. on April 7, 2020.  As a result of the searches, police say four pieces of the reported stolen jewelry valued at $14,240, was recovered.

Police say Mociun was located at a store in Makawao and was arrested and charged for Burglary of a Building in a Civil Defense Emergency, Theft I and Criminal Conspiracy.  Due to County of Maui being in a Disaster Emergency Relief Period, police say the Burglary of a Building becomes a “B” Felony.  Mociun’s bail was set at $105,000.

Further investigation revealed that some of the stolen jewelry was taken to Central Maui Gold and Loan Pawnshop, according to police.

On April 8, 2020, at approximately 1 p.m., Crime Reduction Officers along with Wailuku Patrol, CID, and SRT, executed State of Hawaiʻi Search Warrant at Central Maui Gold and Loan Pawnshop.  As a result of the search,10 pieces of the reported stolen jewelry, valued at a total of $34,000, was recovered from Central Maui Gold and Loan Pawnshop.

“Maui Police Department is committed to ensure the safety of our community and is actively enforcing the laws.  Those who take advantage during this unprecedented time of Covid-19, will be charged accordingly,” police said in a press release this afternoon.

Over a seven day period police report that they issued 143 COVID-19 related enforcement citations and carried out six arrests earlier in the week.