~ by Randy Picking

A bond reduction hearing has been set for a 54-year-old Salina man who was arrested October 6th on numerous sex charges.

Birger Draget appeared before Saline County District Court Judge Jerome Hellmer by way of video from the Saline County jail Monday morning.

His attorney, Roger Falk, requested that the bond of $500,000 be reduced and wanted to provide the court with about 30 letters of support from family and members of his church supporting the reduction of bond.

Judge Hellmer set a hearing for the afternoon of Monday October 31st.

A hearing concerning the scheduling a preliminary hearing in the case was set for the morning of October 31st.

Both the defense and prosecution are awaiting reports in the case from an investigation in Arkansas.

When arrested, Draget was the pastor of the Salina-Seventh-Day Adventist Church.