STURGIS - Stanton Day, who is accused of molesting a child on his bus route, will remain in jail after a 4^th Circuit judge found that he might pose a risk to the community.

Day, 65, of Summerset, is charged with six counts of rape and one count of sexual contact with a child under 16 after allegations that he raped a 10-year-old girl on the Meade County School bus he drove. He has been in jail since his arrest in March.

Last Friday, Day's wife, Ruth, and others spoke at a hearing before 4^th Circuit Judge Warren Johnson, asking him to set bond for Day and promising to ensure he follow any bond conditions.

Judge Johnson ruled on the matter Wednesday.

"The Court has taken into account the nature and circumstances of the offense charged, the weight of the evidence against the defendant, the defendant's family ties, employment, character and mental condition, his length of residence in the community and the risk that he will flee or pose a danger to any person," the order filed in 4^th Circuit Court said. "The Court finds that Defendant, if released on bond, may pose a risk to the community."

First-degree rape is punishable by a maximum sentence of life in prison upon conviction, with a mandatory minimum sentence of 15 years. The sexual-contact charge carries a maximum penalty of 15 years in prison with a mandatory minimum sentence of 10 years.

Contact Heidi Bell Gease at 394-8419 or heidi.bell@rapidcityjournal.com