AIKEN - Judge Jack Early denied bond for a North Augusta man charged with sexually abusing minors last December and in the early 1970s.

Howard Fowler, 68, requested a release until his trial date in General Sessions Court Thursday, but his multiple sex charges and proximity to children if released lead to the denial, said Assistant Solicitor Brenda Brisbin.

"He lives in a trailer park with small, unsupervised children," she said. "He would be a danger to the community."

Fowler is charged with two counts of criminal sexual conduct with a minor in the third degree and three counts of lewd act on a child.

Judge Early said he would consider setting bond if Fowler's case had not been tried by May 1.