An Abingdon man is facing up to 50 years in prison after allegedly setting his mother's house on fire.
August Michael Ruggiero or Ruggerio III, 36, of the 600 block of North Branch Court, was charged Friday with first- and second-degree arson and first- and second-degree malicious burning.
Around 12:25 p.m. Sept. 25, firefighters put out a basement fire in Ruggiero's home in the 600 block of North Branch Court, according to a release from the deputy state fire marshal's office.
Forty firefighters from Abingdon, Joppa and Bel Air volunteer fire companies arrived at the home, but the residential sprinkler system had already put out the flames.
Fire officials say the sprinkler system prevented damages from exceeding $6,000.
Investigators determined Ruggiero allegedly set several fires in the basement of the home, which belongs to his mother, according to the release.
He was taken to Upper Chesapeake Medical Center for treatment of smoke inhalation and upon his release Friday, was taken to the Harford County Detention Center for processing.
At Ruggiero's bail review hearing in Harford County District Court Monday, Assistant Public Defender Brian Cunningham said his client has a 16-year-old daughter and is welcome to live with his aunt and uncle upon his release.
Cunningham said Ruggiero has strong ties to the community, having lived in Maryland his entire life and Harford County 17 years. He said Ruggiero has been disabled for the past six years, is not working and would therefore be unable to make the $500,000 bail.
He went on to say his Ruggiero suffers from memory loss, has no charges pending against him and has two convictions, one for possession of drug paraphernalia and one for drinking and driving dating back to 1996.
Cunningham asked for a reduction in bail "based on a real lack of prior record."
Assistant State's Attorney Cameron Legg said Ruggiero has failed to appear in court five times in the past, demonstrating a risk of flight.
He asked District Court Judge Mimi Cooper leave bail as set based on a risk of flight and the serious nature of the charges.
Cooper granted Cameron's request and ordered bail remain as set at $500,000. Ruggiero remained at the detention center Tuesday.