CBS-6 legal expert Todd Stone said that allowing a newly convicted felon to remain free pending sentencing is up to the judge’s discretion.
But he says it’s unusual after a conviction that involves preying on children.
Former Chesterfield Baseball Club coach Robert Dodd won acquittals on two prior sex charges, which involved an intoxicated teenage girl.
This week he faced nine other charges of sodomy, indecent liberties with a minor while in a custodial or supervisory role and aggravated sexual battery.
Wednesday afternoon a jury of 11 women and one man found him guilty of all counts and recommended Dodd serve 99 years in prison. What’s surprising to some of our viewers though, is the judge granted Dodd bond until his formal sentencing in February.
“The charges to begin with are considered violent in nature,” said Stone. “So there’s a presumption against bond even at the outset of all this. Once you’re found guilty though, a judge normally remands custody to the sheriff because the flight risk goes up dramatically.”
Some of those who’ve accused Dodd in the past were friends of Dodd’s stepson and on the same baseball team.
Bill Harding, who used to coach Pony League himself, says this case throws a change-up as far as the public trust.
“It’s devastating,” said Harding. “The whole situation is sad. I feel terrible for the children involved and for the guys and ladies out here coaching youth sports on a predominately volunteer basis. You hate to see it because they are mentors trying to help.”
Dodd will have to report to a probation officer, has an 8 p.m. curfew, and cannot have contact with anyone under the age of 18.
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