A grand jury on the Big Island indicted a second man suspected of breaking into a Puna home last month during the lava emergency.

Police said Jesley Saniatan, 24, of Hilo, could face enhanced penalties because the alleged burglary on Sept. 8 took place during the state of emergency declared because of the approaching lava flow in the Puna District.

The enhanced penalties mean the burglary is a class A felony punishable by up to 20 years in prison with no possibility of probation, rather than a class B felony, punishable by up to 10 years in prison and a fine of up to $25,000.

Saniatan’s bail was set at $10,000. 

Police arrested Saniatan Wednesday for allegedly burglarizing a home in Orchidland Estates subdivision in Puna last month. 

Police believe Saniatan was the getaway driver of a van used in the burglary of a home on 34th Avenue in the Orchidland Estates subdivision.

A 35-year-old man saw a man entering his house through a window and then leaving and fleeing in a van driven by another man. 

 Police arrested Ronald Altura Jr., 23,  of Keaau, on Sept. 18 and charged him with burglary during an emergency declaration in connection with the case.

On Sept. 4, Mayor Billy Kenoi proclaimed a state of emergency for the Puna District. As a result, certain crimes, including burglary, have stricter penalties.

For example, petty misdemeanor criminal property damage, usually punishable by up to 30 days in jail or a fine of up to $1,000, is elevated to a Class B felony.

Other offenses, including theft, robbery and any assault against an emergency worker also face elevated penalties.