Dean Dinnard, right, speaks with defense lawyer Ken Padowitz before a bond hearing Thursday.
Padowitz said he believes his client is innocent, suggesting that the older girl’s denial is a strong indication the younger girl is not telling the truth.
By Rafael Olmeda – Sun Sentinel – February 18, 2016
A Fort Lauderdale man accused of having sex with a girl under 12 after making her watch sexually explicit videos won’t be jailed while he awaits trial after his defense lawyer reached an agreement with Broward prosecutors Thursday.
Dean Dinnard, 47, is facing charges of sexual assault on a minor and one count of lewd and lascivious molestation. He was arrested Jan. 29 but has not been formally charged.
Dinnard’s lawyer, Ken Padowitz, asked Broward Circuit Judge Michael Usan to set bond for Dinnard, arguing that Dinnard has a job and numerous family members who would be willing to vouch for him. About a dozen supporters were in court Thursday.
Bond was set at $20,000.
Prosecutors did not fight to keep him in custody, partly because the girl’s statement contained an allegation that Dinnard had molested another girl, now 17. The older girl later signed an affidavit denying the allegation and was among Dinnard’s supporters Thursday. She did not speak during the hearing.
According to a police report, the girl said Dinnard let her watch “sexual TV and movies” that featured naked adults with their privates blurred out. Sometimes the movies were on his phone, while at other times they were recorded on a DVR.
On one occasion, according to the report, the girl showered with Dinnard and used soap on his genitals.
Padowitz said he believes his client is innocent, suggesting that the older girl’s denial is a strong indication the younger girl is not telling the truth.
“The state [prosecutors] recognized this discrepancy in the child’s allegation and did not contest a bond for my client,” Padowitz said.
Padowitz and Griffis disagreed on one condition of Dinnard’s release. The prosecutor wanted Dinnard to wear an ankle monitor, while Padowitz argued it was not necessary. Both lawyers wanted the judge to decide whether a monitor would be ordered, but Usan said unless they reached an agreement, he would reconsider the bond amount.
Faced with the prospect of a higher bond that Dinnard possibly could not afford, the defense accepted the ankle monitor.
Dinnard remained in custody Thursday and may be released as early as Friday, Padowitz told his supporters outside the courtroom.
His next court date has not been scheduled.
The Sun Sentinel is not identifying the victim because of the nature of the charges Dinnard faces.
