Judge denies bond reduction request from sexual offender

Saying the needs of Andrew Lewis to have his bond lowered did not outweigh society’s need for protection, District Court Judge Luke Berger declined last week to lower the bond.

Lewis, a former state employee with child and family services, was convicted in February of multiple counts of sexual offenses and witness tampering. The Whitehall man is awaiting sentencing.

In hearing the issue, Judge Berger noted that Lewis had previously violated conditions of his probation, including having contact with the victim of his crimes and trying to influence her to change her claims.