mtanji@mauinews.com
The Maui Community Correctional Center, seen here in March, has been clear of active COVID-19 cases for close to a week, after a cluster that started Feb. 1 grew to nearly 100 cases, according to the state Department of Public Safety. Family and friends of inmates, however, say they are still concerned about physical distancing and access to health care and supplies. The Maui News / MATTHEW THAYER photo
The Maui Community Correctional Center has been clear of active COVID-19 cases for close to a week as a variant-fueled cluster winds down, but advocates for inmates say there are still issues over physical distancing and timely access to health care.
lfujimoto@mauinews.com
WAILUKU A man who said he was at high risk of contracting COVID-19 at the Maui Community Correctional Center had his bail cut in half Tuesday.
Marcus Ruggiero, 55, thanked the court after his bail was reduced from $415,000 to $200,000.
He has pleaded not guilty to first-degree attempted murder for allegedly driving toward police officer Nichole Paclib as she was responding to a reckless driving call in Kula on Aug. 16.
Appearing by videoconference from the Wailuku jail, Ruggiero said he was in quarantine because of eight positive COVID-19 cases reported at the jail.
Ruggiero said he suffers from asthma, high blood pressure, gout and chronic back pain.