'Doesn't remember it': Former St. Francis baseball coach accused of repeated child sexual abuse appears in court for first time

MILWAUKEE (CBS 58) -- A former St. Francis High School baseball coach facing multiple felony charges appeared in court for the first time on Friday, June 13.

Investigators said Jeffrey Wuerl, 39, repeatedly sexually abused a now 17-year-old family member -- who is not a blood relative -- since she was seven or eight.

Wuerl, who was arrested last month, posted a $10,000 dollar cash bail that same day and was later released.

“Mr. Wuerl’s statement, while he does not confess, he says she’s, quote, not lying, and quote, he probably did it, but doesn’t remember it," the state said during the court hearing.

In a letter sent to families, the St. Francis School District said Wuerl was released from all coaching duties, restricted from school property and school-sponsored events, and that support would be provided to students.

On Friday, the state asked for an additional $10,000 bail but his attorney argued her client isn't a flight risk and that he's a husband and father.

“I can tell you that Mr. Wuerl was born and raised here in Milwaukee, has lived here his entire life, he’s very involved with his children’s lives, he’s a coach for every single one of them," said Attorney Allison Ritter.

However, court officials granted the higher bail and also ruled Wuerl may not possess a dangerous weapon or firearm, must be monitored via GPS, and cannot have contact with the victim or her mother.

“He’s not going anywhere," Ritter said. "He has three other children that he is going to fight tooth and nail to get back and to heal his family once these allegations are proven false.”

Wuerl will appear next in court on Friday, June 20 for a preliminary hearing.