San Diego

San Diego Municipal Court Judge Louis Boyle refused Tuesday to lower the $500,000 bail for Ronnie Steckbauer, 34, the Ocean Beach arcade owner accused of molesting boys he led in Bible study.

Boyle cited the seriousness of the felony charges in refusing to lower the bail which had been set earlier.

Deputy District Attorney Rick Clabby told the judge three more alleged victims have been found and more charges may be filed.

Steckbauer is charged with committing 22 lewd and lascivious acts with two boys, aged 13 and 14, and for not registering as a convicted sex offender. He was convicted of child molestation in 1976 in Los Angeles, according to court records.

Steckbauer’s attorney urged he be released on his own recognizance, saying he is not a threat to the community. He said Steckbauer has removed himself as manager of the Hyperspace Arcade on Newport Avenue, which is now has a new name. He suggested that Steckbauer could live on his boat docked at Marina del Rey, an idea the judge rejected.

A preliminary hearing, previously set for Dec. 28, was rescheduled for Jan. 26.