Judge releases robbery suspect

A robbery suspect was released on bail by a judge on Monday, despite prosecutors appealing.

According to online court records, Assistant Public Defender Jared Auna filed a motion to release 38-year-old Benjamin Aldosa Jr., who was being held on $50,000 bail, under supervision. Hilo District Judge Jeffrey Hawk granted the motion over the objection of Assistant District Attorney Andrew Son.

Aldosa is charged with second-degree robbery, a Class B felony punishable by up to 10 years in prison if convicted.

According to District Attorney Kelden Waltjen, Aldosa struck another man several times in the parking lot of the 7-Eleven store in Pahoa and took his laundry bag. Waltjen said Aldosa left the area on foot but was later arrested by police.

Hawk ordered Aldosa to appear in court for a preliminary hearing on September 4.