Judge denies lower bond for Troy man facing 3rd trial for child rape

A Miami County judge Thursday, Dec. 21, denied a request for lower bail by a Troy man awaiting a third trial on child rape charges.

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Lawyers for Charles Hiser, 37, asked Common Pleas Judge Christopher Gee to reduce his $550,000 bail or approve his release on a recognizance bond. The request followed declaration of a hung jury Dec. 15 in Hiser's second jury trial

The first trial in October ended in a mistrial after some jurors said they had seen or heard about media accounts in the case. The second trial ended when jurors said they were unable to reach a verdict after 10.5 hours of deliberations.

Gee wrote in a written decision that he considered the request but would decline any modification.

Lawyers in the case met Wednesday, Dec. 20, with Gee to discuss the case's future. A scheduling conference for a third trial will be held Jan. 2 once witnesses for the case are contacted about availability.

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Hiser faces eight felony rape charges for alleged sexual contact and sexual conduct with a person under age 10 and then under age 13 between February 2012 and late 2016 in Piqua and Troy.

Public defender Steve Layman asked for reduced bail or a recognizance bond for Hiser, saying he had been jailed since Feb. 9. Layman said Hiser was willing to follow whatever conditions were set by the court.

Janna Parker, assistant county prosecutor, opposed the request for reduced bail. She cited the “severe nature” of the allegations and the possible penalty faced by Hiser.