HILO, Hawaii — A 28-year-old woman from Hilo is facing 20 criminal charges after police linked her to a vehicle break-in that led to identity theft, credit card fraud, and illegal firearm possession.
Valissa Dahl appeared in court on Monday, where she was granted supervised release, despite the extensive list of charges stemming from a break-in that occurred on July 21 in the Onomea Bay area.
According to the Hawaii Police Department, a tourist reported that their rental car was broken into while parked along Old Mamalahoa Highway near the Onomea Bay Trail. The thief stole several items valued at more than $16,730.
Two days later, the victim reported that multiple stolen credit cards were being used at online retailers and local businesses, including one in Hilo. Investigators obtained surveillance footage from the store and identified Dahl as the suspect.
On July 24, police arrested Dahl during a traffic stop in downtown Hilo. A loaded pistol was found in her purse, but none of the stolen items were recovered.
Dahl has been charged with:
4 counts of fraudulent use of a credit card
4 counts of credit card theft
2 counts of second-degree theft
2 counts of second-degree computer fraud
2 counts of third-degree computer fraud
2 counts of second-degree identity theft
Unauthorized possession of personal confidential information
Carrying a loaded firearm on a public highway
Improper storage of pistols, revolvers, and ammunition
Dahl remains under investigation as police work to locate the missing items and determine if more charges will be filed.
