Donald Roy Smith, of North Main Street in Roxboro, made his first appearance in District Court in Hillsborough before Judge Joseph Buckner on Tuesday facing at least 17 counts of various sex offenses.

Assistant District Attorney Byron Beasley said in court that Smith’s $1.5 million bond should not be lowered because the case is still in the early stages of the investigation.

“The matter is currently still being investigated,” Beasley said. “There are multiple victims, at least one of which, it has been brought to my attention, is present in the courtroom.

“It’s pretty early in the process.”

Smith was initially charged with 12 counts of indecent liberties with a child, two counts of first-degree sex offense with a child, two counts of statutory sexual offense with a person who is 15 years or younger and attempted second-degree rape of a child. Officials said additional charges are possible.

Defense attorney George Doyle argued that the bond should be unsecured in hopes of allowing Smith to be released from custody. Doyle pointed to support from the community as a reason his request should be considered. Doyle turned to the packed courtroom and asked how many were there to support Smith; approximately two-thirds of those in attendance raised their hands in response.

“These people have all come down from Roxboro, your honor,” Doyle said. “He has no criminal record – which, I think Mr. Beasley can confirm. He voluntarily submitted himself to an interview with investigators without counsel. He offered to turn himself in.”

Doyle also said Smith had cancer and needed to be released to continue receiving treatment.

“He is not a flight risk,” Doyle said. “This man couldn’t outrun an iceberg.”

The crimes Smith is accused of occurred from 1984 through 1989, according to warrants, and Doyle argued that should ease any concerns the court may have.

“So there’s no minor children out there, that I know of today, that would be endanger of Mr. Smith being released,” Doyle said.

There is no statute of limitation on charges being brought in this type of case.

Buckner said that he wanted to hear a full report from pre-trial release before changing Smith’s bond.

A bond hearing was set for Thursday afternoon.