Authorities believe that Cathy Smith Rothgeb, 57, was involved in numerous acts of sexual assault against children including seven counts of object sexual penetration, forcible sodomy, indecent liberties with children, cruelty to children and aggravated sexual battery. The charges come after an investigation by the Virginia State Police launched last summer. A female with knowledge of the incidents contacted investigators. According to court records, the charges stem from allegations of two victims who said the assaults occurred in the 1990s. During that time, Rothgeb coached multiple softball teams including youth recreational leagues and travel teams. She was previously affiliated with Orange County High School but has no recent link to the school. Rothgeb coached multiple teams in Orange and Spotsylvania counties from the 1980s through early 2000s. Currently, 34 indictments were handed down against the former coach after a grand jury reviewed the allegations.
Denying bail is a right given to judges after they review the circumstances of the case. Defendants are entitled to a bail review hearing where the judge decides whether to grant or deny bail or if bail has previously been set a judge may raise, lower or revoke that amount. A judge will often take a number of things under consideration including: the severity of the crime and the number of charges against the defendant, the defendant’s demeanor, any potential flight risk or past missed court appearances, or if they pose a risk to the general public. A judge, unlike a computer, has the ability to review information that may not translate in a risk assessment program such as the defendant’s attitude. Judges have the experience that a computer program can never obtain.
