A man indicted on six counts of statutory rape of a 13-year-old girl had his bond reduced today from $450,000 secured to $100,000 secured.

Eddy Galeano, of Roanoke Rapids, was indicted on six counts of statutory rape of a girl 13- to 15-years-old by an adult six years older.

The offenses allegedly occurred from October to this February.

Galeano’s attorney, Jamal Summey, argued before visiting Superior Court Judge J.C. Cole his client has no prior record and it appears he and the girl were in a relationship. “The young lady loves him and he loves her.”

While the father is upset with the relationship, Summey said Galeano, who is 23, cooperated with law enforcement and asked Judge Cole, “Do we use it (the bond) as a sword against him? Does he get the benefit of cooperation?”

Summey said he spoke with the man’s mother and requested some type of house arrest and curfew. “He’s not a flight risk. He’s never been in trouble. The family has bombarded me with phone calls.”

Halifax County Assistant District Attorney Amy Broughton told Judge Cole she met with the victim’s family. “The father is understandably outraged (with the so-called relationship),” she said. “I understand he is not a lawful U.S. resident. In speaking with the child, I’m not sure she will stay away.”

Broughton said the victim seems to think she is in a meaningful relationship with Galeano, even after going through invasive exams at the Tedi Bear Child Advocacy Center in Greenville. “The defendant did admit he engaged in sexual intercourse (with the girl).”

Judge Cole agreed to reduce the bond to $100,000 secured with the understanding that if Galeano should be released he is not to be away from his residence except for medical and employment reasons as well as custody meetings. Should he be released he is to have no contact with the victim or the victim’s family and nor is the victim to contact him.

“It’s hard for me to understand this conduct,” Judge Cole said, “and I understand the father. I have given consideration to your argument. Even if the victim reaches out to him it would be a violation.”

If such a violation occurred, Galeano would be held under a $400,000 cash bond, Judge Cole said.