An El Paso County judge on Wednesday denied a request to lower bond for one of the two defendants set to stand trial in a case of sexual assault, kidnapping and drugs involving two Colorado Springs runaways. Investigators arrested roommates Jerome Scott, 63, and Gerald Brooks, 68, in early July 2 025 after detectives found the teenage girls inside an apartment on the south edge of downtown Colorado Springs. Scott faces 14 charges, including kidnapping, sexual assault, distribution of a controlled substance, contributing to delinquency and harboring a minor. Brooks faces similar charges. The pair appeared in court Wednesday from the custody of the El Paso County jail for brief hearings ahead of their separate trials. Scott is set to go before a jury March 9 while Brooks’ trial is scheduled for March 2. Initially, the pair were set to stand trial together as co-defendants, but differing defenses prompted the parties to split the case and be tried separately. In Scott’s case, the defense argued for his bond to be lowered from $100,000 to $20,000, saying he is not a risk to the community as well as noting his veteran status. The mother of one of the victims took to the stand to object to the bond request, becoming emotional as she clutched tissues while addressing Judge William Bain. Scott’s request was denied by Bain, who said he is a flight risk due to the length of the prison sentence he faces if convicted. In addition, Bain noted an extensive criminal history dating back to 1979, from states all across the country, but largely in Wisconsin. Prosecutors allege that Scott brought the two girls, ages 13 and 17, to his apartment in the 300 block of Victoria Street in early July after they had been reported missing days prior. One of the girls told detectives that they had been at the residence for “a couple of days,” and that Scott and Brooks gave them “crack,” marijuana and alcohol. Scott allegedly sexually assaulted them both and kept giving them drugs to “keep them out of it,” the affidavit of probable cause states. Brooks initially denied any involvement with the girls, but was later arrested after investigators determined he had “more culpability than originally believed” regarding the allegations, according to his affidavit. Scott’s next appearance in an El Paso County courtroom is set for March 4, and Brooks’ is scheduled for Feb. 25. As of Wednesday, the pair remain in the El Paso County jail. Brooks’ bonds total over $50,000. ...read more read less