WINONA, Minn. –Bail was set at $300,000 for a Winona school teacher accused of sexual relations with three high school athletes, all girls. Eric Dione Birth, 29, posted the bail and was released pending a court appearance February 29. The bail was set by Judge Carmaine Sturino, who has been on loan from neighboring Houston County. The judge ordered Birth not to contact the women who alleged the crimes nor to use any electronic devices or social media. At the bail hearing, Winona County prosecutor Karin Sonneman called Birth a predator. Birth’s attorney, Christine Ledebuhr of Winona, responded that the word “predator” was overdrawn. Ledebuhr said that Birth had known for weeks that he was under investigation and hadn’t fled. Also, she said, the allegations were cold cases – one eight years ago and the most recent more than six months ago. Conviction on each of four counts could mean 15 years in prison and a $30,000 fine.
Birth. Out of jail pending more court proceedings. He had two bail options: $300,000 for unconditional release, $200,000 with conditions.