Judge reduces bond for guard

The bond for Robert J. Robel, 60, was reduced to $50,000 from $100,000, following the first appearance of the Spokesman-Review security supervisor before Superior Court Judge Jerome Leveque on Monday afternoon. Robel was arrested Friday on four felony charges alleging rape and molestation of a young girl.

He has been suspended from his job at the newspaper. Leveque said he reduced Robel’s bond because there are no prior incidents on Robel’s record. The judge reminded Robel that he faces “serious allegations, with serious consequences,” and that he has to be available to the court at any time.

He remained in jail Monday evening. Robel’s next court date is Sept. 16.