This Article is From Sep 15, 2009

$30 mn bail set for California kidnap suspect

$30 mn bail set for California kidnap suspect
Placerville, California: A judge on Monday set bail at $30 million for a Northern California man accused of kidnapping a girl and holding her captive for 18 years.

In setting the high amount, El Dorado County Superior Court Judge Douglas Phimister cited the serious nature of the charges, injuries to the girl and the fact that Phillip Garrido was on parole at the time of the alleged abduction.

Garrido, 58, and his wife, Nancy Garrido, 54, have pleaded not guilty to 29 charges of kidnapping, rape and false imprisonment charges and have been held without bail in an El Dorado County jail.

The couple are accused of kidnapping 11-year-old Jaycee Dugard from her home in 1991 then holding her captive in a backyard jumble of tents and sheds for nearly two decades. Authorities say Phillip Garrido fathered two daughters with Dugard.

Nancy Garrido continues to be held without bail, something her attorney did not object to during Monday's hearing. Phillip Garrido is unlikely to be released because of his parole violations, even if he could raise the money.

He appeared in court with a bandage on his nose and a newly grown gray beard. He and his wife both appeared solemn during the 10-minute hearing, during which the judge granted a request by Phillip Garrido's attorney Susan Gellman for a psychiatric evaluation of her client.

Nancy Garrido's attorney Gilbert Maines reserved the right to request one. Gellman told the judge several law enforcement agencies have sought to interview her client about other cases they are pursuing.

"He does not consent to be questioned for any purposes," Gellman said.

The judge said Gellman would notified of any interview efforts.

Outside court, District Attorney Vern Pierson told a throng of media from around the world that investigators were continuing to pursue other leads in the case.
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