Man with COVID symptoms denied courtroom entrance

LIHU‘E — An Anahola man was denied entry into the courtroom because he demonstrated COVID-19-like symptoms Tuesday morning in Fifth Circuit Court.

Egon Silva Jr., 31, is being prosecuted for charges of criminal trespassing in the second degree, a crime allegedly committed on Aug. 13, which was eight days after he had four charges dismissed with prejudice.

Silva was arrested for allegedly possessing methamphetamine in January of 2020, and was charged with promoting a dangerous drug in the third-degree, a Class C felony.

Because of the unique situation, Silva’s public defender Marissa Agena requested, and was granted a two-month continuance for a hearing on his case.

Silva had four criminal charges in mid-2020, including theft in the first degree during an emergency period exceeding $300, fraudulent use of a credit card exceeding $300, unauthorized possession of personal information, and credit-card theft.

Silva faces a charge of criminal contempt of court for refusing a court-ordered rule related to his recent cases.

Silva’s next hearing is scheduled at 9 a.m. on Jan. 12.

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Jason Blasco, reporter, can be reached at 245-0437 or jblasco@thegardenisland.com.