(BIVN) – A Hilo man has been arrested in connection with a reported mail theft that occurred in November 2023. 

Police say 30-year-old Keoni Brian Paulino has been charged with various offenses, following a report that mail – including the victim’s checks – was stolen from a mailbox.

“Paulino was identified depositing one of the victim’s stolen checks written out for $3,500 and forged with the victim’s signature,” wrote police in a news release issued on Tuesday.

Paulino was arrested on Maka‘ala Street in Hilo on Thursday afternoon, February 8th. He was later charged with:

• Second-degree theft
• Second-degree identity theft
• Unauthorized possession of personal confidential information
• Third-degree forgery

Police say Paulino’s bail was set at $10,000.

The police news release added:

The Hawai‘i Police Department recommends residents install locked mailboxes at their residence in order to help deter theft of incoming mail; as well as dropping off outgoing mail at a secure United States Postal Service drop box, or post office.