NEWARK (OH)
The Advocate
By ERIK JOHNS
Advocate Reporter
NEWARK -- A Hebron pastor accused of sexually abusing two sisters pleaded innocent in court Monday and received a stiff bond at the request of a prosecutor who claimed he is a flight risk.
Lonny "Joe" Aleshire Jr., 503 E. Main St., Hebron, pleaded innocent to 10 sex-abuse charges -- seven felonies and three misdemeanors -- in an arraignment before Common Pleas Magistrate C. Daniel Hayes.
Aleshire's lawyer David Stansbury hoped the magistrate would maintain Aleshire's $250,000 bond because of his connection to the community and lack of prior criminal history.
Hayes adjusted the bond to $500,000 after Licking County Assistant Prosecutor Melinda Seeds expressed her concern that Aleshire could flee if released, a claim Stansbury denies.
"Mr. Aleshire has substantial ties to the community and has every intention of staying here and addressing the allegations," Stansbury said.