An Excelsior Springs man was recently granted a bond reduction on four charges after being ordered to appear at Clay County Courthouse. James S. Benson, 34, is charged with first-degree felony rape or attempted rape, third-degree felony assault, third-degree misdemeanor kidnapping and misdemeanor resisting or interfering with an arrest, detention or stop. Benson appeared before Seventh Judicial Circuit Court Judge Louis Angles and requested his bond be reduced because of his inability to pay the current $150,000 bond. Assistant Prosecuting Attorney John M. Creager argued against a reduction due to Benson previously failing to appear in court at least seven times, having a current probation violation warrant out of Jackson County for assaultive behavior, living alone and the safety of victims and witnesses being a major concern. Judge Angles ordered the bond to be reduced to $75,000 with bond conditions, including supervision by Missouri Probation and Parole; report to supervision…