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Bail kept at $200,000 for meth, pot promotion

The Maui News

WAILUKU — A judge kept bail at $200,000 for a man who was arrested after police reported seizing quantities of methamphetamine and marijuana when vice officers searched him and his residence last year.

Thomas Moniz Jr., 36, of Waikapu has pleaded not guilty to charges of attempted first-degree promotion of a dangerous drug, first-degree promotion of a dangerous drug, attempted first-degree promotion of a detrimental drug, second-degree promotion of a detrimental drug, possessing drug paraphernalia and carrying a deadly weapon.

During a court hearing Wednesday, Deputy Public Defender Danielle Sears asked for Moniz’s bail to be reduced “to a more reasonable amount,” saying $200,000 was high. She said Moniz is working and has a residence.

In opposing the defense request, Deputy Prosecutor Joanne Hicks said “what seemed very high was the amount of methamphetamine recovered in this case.”

Police had search warrants for Moniz when vice officers went to his residence June 20, 2019, Hicks said. When police made contact with Moniz, he said he had some crystal methamphetamine in his room, Hicks said.

She said police recovered 65.63 grams of methamphetamine that was separated in four bags, as well as more than 247 grams of marijuana, a collapsible baton, digital scale and $599 in cash.

Moniz had 11 convictions for contempt of court, as well as convictions for DUI, possessing drug paraphernalia, abuse and third-degree promotion of a dangerous drug, Hicks said.

She said he had felony charges for possessing drugs and paraphernalia dismissed in 2012 when he completed the Maui Drug Court program of treatment and supervision.

“He benefited from that program, yet he’s here dealing drugs,” Hicks said.

Second Circuit Judge Rhonda Loo kept Moniz’s bail at $200,000.

A Nov. 23 pretrial conference is set for him.

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