A Miami County judge denied a request for lower bail made by a Troy man facing three felony counts of rape involving a person under age 13.

Michael Slagle, 35, is accused of engaging in sexual conduct with a minor between June 1 and Aug. 21. He is being held in lieu of $1.5 million bail. He pleaded not guilty during arraignment Dec. 30 in Common Pleas Court.

Judge Jeannine Pratt was asked by Slagle’s lawyer, Nicole Rutter of Dayton, to set a “reasonable” bond for Slagle.

Rutter said his family members and an employer were in court to support him and that the employer had a job waiting for Slagle, an ironworker, if he were released.

Paul Watkins, assistant county prosecutor, argued bonds of $500,000 on each count should be continued because of the rape charges.

Pratt continued the bail, totaling $1.5 million. She pointed to the nature of the charges against Slagle and added she lacked information on any circumstances that would factor into lowering bail.