Request denied for lower bail

A judge Monday refused to lower $500,000 cash bail for a Gardnerville man accused of felony sexual assault involving a 12-year-old boy.

Ronald John Smith, 42, asked acting East Fork Township Justice Paul Gilbert to reduce the bail so he could get out of jail and return to work to pay for a lawyer.

"I'd like to know why the bail is $502,000 cash only," Smith said.

Smith said he was told the bail was so high because officials feared he would "act irrational to the charges and needed a cooling down period."

Gilbert said the purpose of bail is to protect the community, adding "at the moment, you sit there innocent."

Smith is accused of assaulting the boy from April until Sept. 4 when the child's mother reportedly found the suspect hiding naked in the victim's bedroom.

Smith is charged with three counts of sexual assault against a child under 14.

Gilbert set Smith's next court appearance for today and appointed lawyer Terri Roeser to represent him.

Prosecutor Dina Salvucci argued against lowering Smith's bail.

"These crimes are of a serious nature," she said. "There is a high likelihood of conviction."

Salvucci also referred to Smith's prior conviction for domestic battery.

"We believe the current bail is appropriate," she said.

Smith said he would not be a flight risk. He said he has owned his own home and has been in the area for 15 years.