News 12 at 11, November 18, 2008

AIKEN CTY, S.C. --- 67-year-old Stephen Eubanks is behind bars. He was arrested last month and bonded out of jail. But Tuesday afternoon after these additional nine charges, Judge Lynn denied bond.

"I believe that the crime is as serious today as it was back in 1977 or 76 when the crime came forward," Paul LaRosa said.

SLED special agent Paul LaRosa says after the first arrests, SLED initiated the Steve Eubanks hotline, and they got numerous calls. In all, they were able to get nine additional charges against Eubanks. These charges include alleged sexual acts with two teenage boys and a female. They include drugs, alcohol, and Investigators say he took a 15-year old boy to several rest areas, and forced him to perform sexual intercourse with other, unknown adult men.

Other incidents allegedly happened at Paul Knox Middle School, Eubanks' former house in North Augusta, his home on Belair Road, and his vehicle.

"People are healing at different rates within this case and some who told their story in the beginning, didn't feel comfortable until a couple days ago or a week ago. This is a heeling process that each individual is going to have to at their own time and level," LaRosa said.

Sled agents say this is still an open investigation and they're expecting to get more phone calls.

"I'm a little shocked at the number of individuals who have come forward, and the number of individuals who have been victimized. But like I said, I encourage them to keep coming forward, and allow themselves to be healed, so that justice can be served," LaRosa said.

If you think you are a victim of Eubanks or have any additional information, SLED has a toll-free hotline. That number is 1-800-414-2826.