San Diego

Ronnie Steckbauer pleaded innocent Tuesday to 29 new sex charges alleging he molested 14 more boys in Ocean Beach, where Steckbauer ran a Bible study group and a video arcade.

The new charges bring the total to 51 counts of performing lewd, lascivious acts with minors and one count of failing to register as a sex offender.

Municipal Judge Joe Littlejohn rescheduled the preliminary hearing for Steckbauer for March 30.

Deputy Dist. Atty. Rick Clabby said there are a total of 16 victims ages 9 through 17. The alleged acts occurred from 1982 until Dec. 3, 1987.

After hearing arguments from Steckbauer’s attorney, Scott Barnett, and Clabby, Littlejohn reduced bail to $400,000 from $500,000.

Clabby suggested bail at $100,000 and offered to have Steckbauer, 34, live with his girlfriend in the Los Angeles area where he is part owner of a pawn shop.

Barnett said none of the charges represent any force or violence to the victims. He denied Steckbauer was a danger to the community.

A mother of two boys who were in Steckbauer’s group, Linda Anderson, came to court in support of the defendant.