CLEARFIELD – A bail reduction hearing was held on Wednesday for two men accused of possessing around 40 fraudulent credit cards and a fake driver’s license.
Attorneys for Ariel Rosario and Awni Minaya argued because the case had been continued at twice, their defendants had already been locked up for around 26 days.
Chris Money, who represents Minaya stated that his client and Rosario face misdemeanor three charges.
“It seems to me that bail is set too high,” argued Chris Mason, representing Minaya. Mason continued, stating that the $50,000 bail amount was excessive.
Assistant District Attorney Warren Mikesell said the commonwealth opposed the defendeants’ bail motions. He argued that the first continuance was granted due to the belief that the defendants needed an interpreter. He said it was his understanding that once the defendants realized they were going to sit in jail until their case was heard they began speaking English.
Defense counsel argued that one of the men did need an interpreter.
Magisterial District Michael Rudella initially offered to lower bail to $25,000 straight for both men.
“That’s not fair … for an M-3,” argued Mason.
“I do believe they brought some of this on themselves by a language issue that doesn’t exist,” said Rudella.
In the end Rudella lowered each man’s bail to $10,000 straight
