Bible-Study Leader to Be Tried in Boys’ Molestations
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The owner of an Ocean Beach arcade who ran a Bible study group for adolescent boys was ordered Tuesday to stand trial on 39 counts of molesting 12 youths.
Ronnie Steckbauer, 34, was bound over for trial by San Diego Municipal Judge Joe Littlejohn after a 1 1/2-day preliminary hearing.
Fifteen boys aged 10 to 18 testified that Steckbauer either molested them or touched them inappropriately between 1982 and Dec. 3, 1987.
Littlejohn dismissed 12 counts of performing lewd, lascivious acts. One alleged victim didn’t show up to testify, and the counts involving his testimony and that of three boys who said Steckbauer merely tickled them repeatedly were not bound over.
Deputy Dist. Atty. Rick Clabby said he may file more charges later. Steckbauer is also accused of failing to register as a sex offender from his 1976 conviction on child molestation charges in Los Angeles.
The arraignment was set for May 24. Steckbauer remains in County Jail in lieu of $400,000 bail.
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