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The Maui News
WAILUKU -- Bail was increased to $3,000 for a man who was arrested Tuesday for allegedly assaulting another man near a bus stop in Paia.
Lloyd Jacintho, 52, was charged with second-degree assault for causing injury to the 69-year-old man. Under a law that took effect this month, a felony assault charge can be brought for causing injury to someone 60 years or older.
During Jacintho's initial appearance Thursday in Wailuku District Court, Deputy Prosecutor Brant Yoshimoto asked for bail to be increased from $1,000 to $5,000.
"We believe the defendant is a danger to society," Yoshimoto said.
He said Jacintho was harassing the 69-year-old man at the bus stop so he walked across the street. Jacintho allegedly kicked the other man in his thigh and punched him in his face before the victim used pepper spray on Jacintho, Yoshimoto said. Then Jacintho allegedly kicked the other man in the groin, causing him to fall to the ground, Yoshimoto said.
He said the assault was stopped by witnesses who came to the rescue of the older man.
As a repeat offender with a first-degree burglary conviction in 2017, Jacintho could face a mandatory minimum sentence of one year and eight months if convicted, Yoshimoto said.
He said Jacintho has prior convictions for second-degree terroristic threatening, disorderly conduct, felony abuse and drug offenses.
Deputy Public Defender Gustavo Gonzalez opposed an increase in bail and asked for release on supervision for Jacintho, saying he was trying to get help for substance abuse and homeless issues.
Judge Douglas Sameshima set bail at $3,000.
Jacintho was ordered to stay away from the victim and stay out of Paia town.