NORWICH – A North Carolina man accused of raping a family member at the Super 8 Motel appeared in court Tuesday to have his bail reduced.

Lester Dvonne Elkins, 47, Clinton, N.C., is accused of first degree criminal sexual act (B felony), first degree rape (B felony) and incest (E felony).

Elkins has remained in the Chenango County Correctional Facility since his arrest Dec. 27 on $50,000 bail.

Assistant Public Defender Diane M. DeStefano requested that Elkins’ bail be reduced to $5,000, saying the allegations were not what they seemed. District Attorney Joseph McBride told the judge he thought the current bail was too low and requested it remain at $50,000. McBride also referred to Elkins’ out of state connections and his North Carolina residency.

The defense revealed that Elkins had no criminal record and that other family members in the courtroom were advocating for his release. Elkins was visiting the area for a family reunion this holiday season at the time of the alleged incident. The relatives, who live in the Syracuse area, said they were willing to take Elkins in if he was released.