WILKES-BARRE — Attorneys for Michael Scavone have asked that the fatal hit-and-run suspect be freed on nominal bail because he has been in prison for more than 180 days since his arrest.
A state rule says any defendant held in pre-trial incarceration for a period exceeding 180 days is entitled to immediate release on nominal bail.
Scavone, of Harveys Lake, who turns 51 Wednesday, has been jailed since his June 12 arrest on charges he ran down a jogger while drunk and fled the scene.
Paula Jones, a 31-year old triathlete from Factoryville, was struck just after 6 p.m. on June 9 as she ran along Lakeside Drive. She was pronounced dead later that evening.
According to petition filed Tuesday in Luzerne County Court, Scavone’s attorneys argue he has been jailed for a total of 307 days and request his release on a reduced bail amount.
Scavone’s bail has been set at $400,000. A county judge rejected a bid to reduce Scavone’s bail in March. It was the second time a judge denied a motion to lower Scavone’s bail.
His trial is scheduled to begin in July.
