International Monetary Fund chief Dominique Strauss-Kahn was ordered held without bail in a sex assault case after an appearance in a New York City courtroom Monday.

Attorneys representing Mr. Strauss-Kahn, who has been charged with sexually assaulting a chamber maid at a Manhattan hotel, argued that their client was not a flight risk and was prepared to post a $1 million bail package. Mr. Strauss-Kahn was not required to enter a plea. His attorneys said the IMF chief denies the charges.

Prosecutors...