Bail Reduced For Philadelphia Man Accused of Raping Handicapped Girl
By Tony Hanson
PHILADELPHIA (CBS) -- A Philadelphia judge has lowered the bail for a Philadelphia man charged with raping a severely disabled girl who was the daughter of his former girlfriend.
Prosecutor Elizabeth Fischer argued against lowering the bail for 54-year-old Orrin Thomas, given the egregious allegations against him, "involving," she says, "a-15 year-old victim with severe mental impairment. She has cerebral palsy. She does suffer from vision impairment. She is on a feeding tube, she is in a wheelchair, she can't speak."
Fischer adds that Thomas is a flight risk. She says the victim was impregnated and DNA proves that Thomas is responsible.
He remains in custody, his bail reduced from $2 million to $1 million.
The defense says Thomas, who has no previous criminal record, will plead not guilty and they will vigorously fight the charges.
A hearing on the facts is scheduled for next month.