Bond decision delayed in family captivity case

LAVONIA — A judge has delayed a decision on whether to grant bond to Raymond Daniel Thurmond, who is accused of holding his family captive in a trailer for three years.

The 36-year-old Thurmond is charged with one count of rape, four counts of child abuse and five counts of false imprisonment. Police say he did not allow his children to leave the house.

He was arrested Aug. 12 at the poultry plant where he worked. The trailer was found teeming with roaches, spoiled food and moldy mattresses.

Superior Court Judge Lindsey Tyce did not rule immediately after a bond hearing Thursday. His attorney, J. Richardson Brannon, presented character witness, but they admitted they had not been in recent contact with him. Brannon says Thurmond denies holding his family captive.

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Information from: Anderson Independent-Mail