Ramona

A 43-year-old man was ordered Wednesday to stand trial on 238 criminal counts in connection with the molestation of six girls. It is the most extensive case in county history.

After a three-day preliminary hearing in San Diego Municipal Court, Ezra Adams, 43, was ordered to appear in San Diego Superior Court on Feb. 8 for arraignment and trial setting.

Municipal Judge Richard Hanscom dismissed one count, saying the prosecution failed to present any evidence to support it.

Deputy Dist. Atty. Aaron Katz unsuccessfully tried to get Adams’ bail increased from $500,000 to $1 million. In declining to grant the increase, Hanscom said that Adams is unlikely to make bail even at $500,000.

The last witness during the preliminary hearing was a 17-year-old girl who cried often and appeared frightened. She held her hand at the side of her face constantly to avoid looking at Adams.

She said the molestation occurred over a period of years. “He told me he would hurt me or kill me if I said anything,” she testified.

Several recesses were called so the girl could collect her thoughts and regain her composure.

The hearing was closed to the press and public Tuesday and most of Monday, on a motion by Katz. He said it was too traumatic for four witnesses, all under 14, to testify in open court.

Adams, a heavy machinery operator, was arrested Nov. 15.