Puna man accused of importing meth released on bail

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An 33-year-old Ainaloa man arrested last week by federal authorities for allegedly using the mail to import almost 4 ounces of methamphetamine to the Big Island has been released on bail.

An 33-year-old Ainaloa man arrested last week by federal authorities for allegedly using the mail to import almost 4 ounces of methamphetamine to the Big Island has been released on bail.

On Tuesday, U.S. Magistrate Judge Kevin Chang set $25,000 bail for Michael Keoni Totman. The U.S. Attorney’s Office had requested Totman be detained without bail, but Chang denied the motion. Totman was placed in the custody of his mother, Paulette Gangano.

Totman was arrested at his Ainaloa home by local police, Postal Inspectors and the Drug Enforcement Administration after he allegedly picked up a package at the Pahoa Post Office. According to the complaint, Postal Inspectors found 120 grams of meth in the express mail parcel and replaced it with an imitation substance.

A search warrant was served on Totman’s home and authorities allegedly found, in addition to the package, 62 marijuana plants, a small amount of marijuana and anabolic steroids.

A preliminary hearing for Totman is scheduled for 10 a.m. Oct. 31 in U.S. District Court in Honolulu before Magistrate Judge Barry Kurren.