Why is a convicted child molester is free on bond?

A Desoto Parish man convicted of molesting a child is out on bond, waiting to be sentenced, and a prosecutor wants to know why.

Desoto Parish D.A. said he's never heard of anything like this.

"I've never seen anyone free on bond after the conviction of a crime of this magnitude," says Richard Johnson, Desoto Parish District Attorney. "I quite frankly see no reason why he should be free right now."

Johnson strongly believes 36-year-old Jeremy Elkins should be locked up until his sentencing in June, but judge Robert E. Burgess felt differently.

"Usually if the person has a sentence that exceeds five years, the judge has the discresion to grant them bond. However in the past, its been the judges policy not to grant bond for a case such as this."

Last week a jury found Elkins guilty of molesting a 12-year-old girl back in 2008.

Prosecutors say he took the child to a car outside his home and sexually assaulted her.

Johnson says the victim's family is also very disturbed by the fact that Elkins is out on bond.

"It is our opinion that he is a convicted child molester, that he poses a danger to the community, and that he faces 25 years in prison and a maximum of 99 years," says Johnson. "He's also a flight risk."

Bridgette Elkins says her cousin Jeremy has never done anything like this. She describes him as a loving father and family man. She also says he's great with children, and she knows he's innocent.

Bridgette believes the entire ordeal stems from a fight between Elkins and the victim's father.

The D.A. said the jury heard testimony from the victim and from Elkins, so there was more to the story than just a fight.