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KEALAKEKUA — A Kona man pleaded not guilty to two counts of first-degree sexual assault, two counts of abuse of family or household member and one count of first-degree terroristic threatening Tuesday in Kona Circuit Court.
Jerry Michael Pettengill appeared before Judge Melvin Fujino where he entered not guilty pleas through his public defender Ann Datta in connection to an Aug. 16 alleged assault.
Deputy Prosecuting Attorney Chase Murray argued to maintain bail, citing Pettengill, who is new to the island, as a flight risk with convictions in South Carolina, Arizona and Virginia.
Fujino maintained bail at $25,000 and set a trial date for Nov. 12.
Pettengill remains in custody at Hawaii Community Correctional Center.