Buffalo, N.Y. (WBEN) - Former Erie County Democratic Party Chairman and political operative Steve Pigeon was granted bail Monday morning in a court appearance before State Supreme Court Justice William Boller.
Boller set bail at $250-thousand cash, $500-thousand secured bond or $750-thousand partially secured bond and Pigeon was released from custody later in the day Monday according to his attorney Paul Cambria.
During the legal proceedings arguing over bail, it was reveled the text messages Pigeon sent in recent weeks were to his sister and family in general, indicating the alleged victim of the 2016 incident may be related to Pigeon.
Pigeon was charged in a six count indictment last week and faces charges including rape and sexual assault against a girl under the age of eleven. He could face up to life in prison if convicted on the charges.
"He had sent a text message to several members of his family, a general message if you will," said Cambria following the court proceeding. "It had nothing specific to do with the subject of this indictment." There was never any intention to have any contact with the alleged victim, says Cambria.
An order of protection is in place for the alleged victim that Pigeon has agreed to, not allowing him any contact with her.
Pigeon vehemently denies the charges, says Cambria, and will be back in court December 20.
