Judge denies reduced bail to sexual abuse defendant

PALMER -- A man charged with second-degree sexual abuse of a minor lost his bid for a reduced bail Tuesday, less than a week before he was to stand trial on the felony charge.

Superior Court Judge Eric Smith refused to reduce Charles L. Slack's $50,000 bail to $10,000 as requested by Slack's attorney Lance Wells. The judge also refused to appoint two prospective third-party custodians -- another requirement of Slack's bail -- because they are witnesses in another criminal case and that could cause scheduling problems.

Primarily, though, Smith denied a more lenient bail because he feared Slack would flee the state.

"I think Mr. Slack is a serious flight risk," Smith said. "I will not reduce the bail one penny."

He added that Slack "has not been cognizant of his bail restrictions." In June, the victim's mother tried to arrange for someone to drive Slack to Canada, according to charging documents.

The case involves 31-year-old Slack's sexual relationship with a girl who was then 15 years old. The girl's mother and father said they supported the relationship because the Bible said it was OK.

Slack lived on and off at the family's Wasilla-area home, according to charging documents.

Assistant District Attorney Rachel Gernat argued during the bail hearing that Slack intended to leave Alaska, possibly reuniting with the victim, now 16, who is believed to be Outside. Court papers say the two expressed plans to marry when the girl turned 16 -- her age as of Monday, her birthday.

"It is clear by his multiple bail violations that he intends to be with her," Gernat said.

She told Judge Smith that she has received phone calls "consistently telling me Mr. Slack and the victim are going to get married when she's 16." Gernat played several taped messages during the court session, including some from the victim.

However, Wells said Slack already has served four months in jail and he doesn't want to get married. The victim is no longer in the region, so Slack isn't a threat to her, Wells said.

Judge Smith was not swayed by Wells' argument. Slack was scheduled for trial Monday.