ST. LOUIS COUNTY, Mo. – A Ballwin man accused of raping women he met through dating websites was denied a reduction on his half-a-million-dollar bond Thursday.

Another victim of Yahya Maly has come forward, according to the St. Louis County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office. Three of Maly’s alleged victims were in the courtroom Thursday for the hearing, with the prosecuting attorney adding that all of the women who have come forward are incredibly brave.

Maly is facing multiple felony charges, including rape, kidnapping, and sodomy. The bond reduction hearing is the first time his alleged victims have seen him in court.

“They have come forward and told a story that nobody likes to talk about but they have had the courage to do it, and I give them so much credit for coming today and standing in that courtroom and being able to look at him,” Assistant Prosecuting Attorney Ashley Bailey-Smith said.

Maly represented himself in the courtroom. He cited his anxiety and an upcoming visit from his parents, who live overseas, as a reason for the court to reduce his bond. He also promised the judge he would return to court. 

The state said Maly previously lived in other states in the U.S. and having family overseas is concerning.

“Our office felt very strongly that his bond not be reduced. He is a flight risk, as well as the fact that there are multiple victims,” St. Louis County Prosecuting Attorney Melissa Price Smith added.

Price Smith fears there could still be more victims out there.

“If you are a victim of this man, we want you to know your voice matters. You are not alone. We are here for you and it is safe to come forward,” she said.

This case is personal for these prosecutors as they are women defending women.

“I want to get him because it is so wrong, and that’s why Melissa and I do this,” Bailey-Smith added.

Maly’s preliminary hearing is scheduled for March 3.