WINONA, Minn. – Bail was lowered significantly in a review of the charges against a Winona High School coach accused of preying sexually on athletes on the track team over a six-year period. Judge Nancy Buytendorp set bail at $20,000 – a dramatic drop from $300,000 ordered by a visiting judge last week. Birth’s attorney, Christine Ledebuhr, renewed her argument for lesser bail on grounds that Birth was not a flight risk. Ledebuhr noted that Birth knew he was being investigated for at least a month before he was arrested and didn’t.. Also, she said, Birth has family reasons not to flee — his spouse, a daughter and a child on the way. Birth poses no risk to the safety of the community, the attorney said. Judge Buytendorp’s reduction inbail came even after Birth was charged with criminal sexual conduct with a fourth student.
