CHESTERFIELD COUNTY, Va (WTVR)- A drink called 99 apples would cause teens to pass out and afterwards, they told police, they would wake up in a Chesterfield man's bed.
48-year-old Robert Dodd is now facing 13 felony charges, including forcible sodomy and taking indecent liberties with a minor.
The Chesterfield business owner is accused of sex crimes against teens and young adults. Police say the crimes took place inside his Wycliff Road home, with four new alleged victims emerging over the past three years according to court documents.
At Friday’s bond hearing, a judge denied a defense request for bail.
“We believe he's entitled to a bond, so we will now have to pursue an appeal,” said defense attorney David Morgan. He argued Dodd was not a flight risk, saying the charges against him were false, ranging from months to decades old.
But the judge said he was obligated to protect the public and felt the best way to do that was to keep Dodd locked up.
"That's his experience and because he wears the black robe, he can make that judgment,” said Morgan. “So we live with it."
Neighbors don't agree with the judge either. “Let him work,” said Paul Eaton. “He doesn't seem like a flight risk. I believe he'd do what is right."
Inside Courtroom Four, Dodd received a strong showing of family support, but they left disappointed that their loved one won't be coming home anytime soon.
His lawyer says it could cost his client his business. "These folks at the General Assembly just want to make it look like they're tough on crime,” said Morgan. “So they put these laws on the books and now an innocent man will be kept in jail for maybe months, and have to go through garnishments and maybe even bankruptcy."
Morgan said he would file an appeal Friday afternoon.
Dodd's family did not want to speak on camera; some were upset over the denial of bond.
