AUGUSTA — A judge on Tuesday cut bail in half, to $25,000 cash, for a city man charged with robbing two CVS pharmacies in Augusta.
Michael C. Pierce, 32, who was indicted earlier this month by a grand jury on two robbery charges, pleaded not guilty Tuesday at his arraignment in Kennebec County Superior Court.
However, his attorney, Kevin Sullivan, told the judge Tuesday that the case may be resolved shortly, given that his client has cooperated with police in the investigation.
“He admitted to everything and willingly provided all information they needed,” Sullivan said, adding that Pierce allowed them to search his home.
Justice Michaela Murphy told Pierce the two robbery charges carry penalties of up to 10 years in prison.
Pierce has been in jail since his arrest June 19, and Sullivan requested the amount be lowered to $5,000 cash.
Pierce has two prior convictions for operating after suspension and one for operating after revocation, according to the prosecutor, Assistant District Attorney Brad Grant.
He argued against reducing the $50,000 bail set previously, saying it was based on the seriousness of the charges.
Grant also told the judge that Pierce did not leave the area while police were conducting investigations of both the May 8 robbery of CVS on Stone Street and the June 18 robbery of CVS on Capitol Street.
In both instances, the robber wore a fake beard and wig and demanded oxycodone from a pharmacist.
Pierce’s next court hearing is set for Oct. 2.
Jeffrey D. Hodgkins, 31, also of Augusta, is a co-defendant in the June 18 robbery. He was also in Kennebec County Superior Court on Tuesday for arraignment, and he pleaded not guilty.
His attorney, Walter McKee, said Hodgkins had applied to enter the veterans court. That specialty court was set up to handle veterans with substance-abuse problems or mental illness who are facing criminal charges. Hodgkins is being held in lieu of $25,000 cash bail.
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