21-year-old men charged with rape denied bond reduction; one man released from jail

Douglas County District Judge Kay Huff denied bond reduction requests Tuesday for two 21-year-old men charged with rape after two victims alleged they were sexual assaulted in Kansas University’s Hashinger Residence Hall during the early-morning hours of Sept. 28.

The two men, one a KU student, have been in the Douglas County Jail on a $50,000 bond since their arrests Oct. 7.

The KU student’s attorney, Tom Erker, requested a bond reduction for his client Tuesday, saying his client was not a risk to the community.

“This is not one of those predator types of cases,” Erker said. “He’s a good kid, your Honor.”

The second man’s attorney, John Kerns, said his client is a freshman at Johnson County Community College. Kerns also requested that the bond be reduced so his client could attend class and work.

Though Huff denied both bond reduction requests, she said she would consider the matter once again after hearing evidence in the future.

“I understand the original judge who set bond did review the probable cause affidavit,” Huff said. “I know nothing about this case so bond will remain where it is until a preliminary hearing and I can make a decision.”

Following the afternoon hearing, the KU student posted bail just after 5 p.m. Tuesday and was released from the Douglas County Jail, according to the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office.

Huff set the men’s preliminary hearings for Nov. 4.